Ohio’s first hydrogen station to open soon in Miami Valley

Dave Erbaugh (left) watches as Chris McWhinney releases a hydrogen-filled balloon in McWhinney's Englewood home. The two entrepreneurs have developed a hydrogen generator and will open a hydrogen gas station near Brookville in late September or early October. Staff photo by Jan Underwood

Jan Underwood Dave Erbaugh (left) watches as Chris McWhinney releases a hydrogen-filled balloon in McWhinney's Englewood home. The two entrepreneurs have developed a hydrogen generator and will open a hydrogen gas station near Brookville in late September or early October. Staff photo by Jan Underwood

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 4:31 PM Sunday, September 5, 2010

Within a month, entrepreneurs Chris McWhinney and Dave Erbaugh plan to open Ohio’s first hydrogen-based gas station at Dull’s Family Farm on U.S. 40, just north of Brookville.

The partners think hydrogen power can be a successful business that helps consumers save money and reduce foreign energy dependence. When their station opens, it will culminate a six-year effort of research, testing and building prototypes.

“In the next 40 to 50 years, 90 percent of us will be using hydrogen power,” McWhinney said.

“When it happens, it’s going to happen really fast, like the computer revolution. Look back to 1980-85. Hardly anyone had a computer at home.”

Hydrogen power has competition from compressed natural gas, electricity and other natural fuels.

“The government is not trying to pick winners yet,” said Chris Meyer, director of energy programs for the Dayton Development Coalition.

“They’re funding a lot of these programs and going to let the market do the choosing.”

McWhinney and Erbaugh’s company, Millennium Reign Energy, wants to help make consumers more energy independent by installing small hydrogen fueling appliances in their homes.

Start-up costs are pricey — some estimates are $35,000 — but the two believe consumers will save in the long run. They note there are government incentives and grants available to consumers who use alternative fueling sources. They said their equipment will allow consumers to produce their own hydrogen fuel that would heat and air condition a house, as well as fuel two vehicles.

“These are exciting times, and it’s kind of a gee-whiz moment for these new energy sources,” said Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council, the state’s leading advocate for fresh air, clean water and sustainable land use.

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