Ohio state officials announced a new $100 million Energy Opportunity Initiative to support economic development in Ohio’s energy sector. The program will provide grants and low-interest loans to qualifying companies involved in natural gas and nuclear power production in Ohio.
Funding will be prioritized for:
- Engineering, right-of-way, and construction costs for new and existing natural gas infrastructure.
- Site preparation for small modular reactor (SMR) generation.
- Advanced workforce training programs and creation of a nuclear energy center of excellence.
- Incentives for supply-chain companies involved in SMR manufacturing and production.
State officials said the effort is key to sustaining Ohio’s growth and keeping energy costs reasonable. Building on more than $111 billion in shale-energy investment in Ohio since 2011, the initiative will enhance energy infrastructure and expand workforce training.
JobsOhio will collaborate with its seven regional network partners to identify companies and projects that qualify for support. Officials said the fund will help address high upfront costs tied to modern energy infrastructure and ensure that Ohio remains a leader in U.S. energy.
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