Mound Awarded $1 M for Energy Center Initiative

An initiative to redevelop the Mound Advanced Technology Center as an energy center focused on renewable and alternative energy technologies is gaining momentum.

The Department of Energy has announced that the site will receive $1 million in Congressionally directed funding to implement energy efficient and renewable projects. The funds will allow the Miamisburg Mound Community Improvement Corporation (MMCIC), the economic development organization for Mound, to take the preliminary steps necessary for the Mound site's development as an energy park.

"It's important that we take advantage of the opportunity to capture market share right now as technologies and products are evolving," said Mike Grauwelman, president of the Miamisburg Mound Community Improvement Corporation (MMCIC), the economic development organization for Mound. "These innovations will certainly generate new business opportunities, and our goal is to maximize them to benefit our region."

Mound officials hope to make the technology and business park a national model that generates all of its own power, provides educational opportunities to industry, students and the general public, and generates new jobs related to renewable and alternative energy technologies. Several of Mound's 14 tenant companies are leading research and development programs in advanced energy areas such as hydrogen fuel cells and long-life batteries.

"We hope to create a dynamic synergy by developing a commercial center that brings together the various sectors of energy research, development and production," said MMCIC Board Chairman Eric Cluxton. "It will be unique in the Dayton region."

Last week Dayton Power and Light Co. announced it will install its second solar array at Mound to help the company assess the feasibility of solar power as a renewable energy source.