BOC is a sustaining member of NHA and a member of the group's board of directors and executive committee. The NHA is composed of industry, university, research and small business members leading the transition to a hydrogen-based energy infrastructure. This forum is designed to promote the role of hydrogen in energy independence, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, focusing on critical issues in the development of hydrogen technologies.

"BOC is proud to be so actively involved in the NHA and appreciates the fine work the group does to advance hydrogen energy activities. We appreciate the opportunity to be able to share our expertise in hydrogen to promote greater adoption of these emerging technologies," said Mike McGowan, director, hydrogen energy.

The event will be held March 29 to April 1 at the Marriott Wardman Park. BOC will be exhibiting in booth 830. John Carolin, global director sustainable energy, will speak on Thursday, March 31 about BOC's wide range of collaborative hydrogen energy projects and partnerships.

"New ways of partnering can help us achieve sustainable solutions more quickly and efficiently than we can do alone. BOC participates in high profile demonstration projects, supports the development of new technology, creates innovative customer solutions, and invests in new ventures," Carolin said.

BOC is a leader in supporting hydrogen energy projects around the world. These projects involve large, established corporations such as Shell, BASF and Hydro-Quebec as well as start-up ventures such as HERA Hydrogen Storage Systems, Membrane Reactor Technologies (MRT), Ceres Power and Cellex. The collaborations include market research, R&D, product development, and supply chain management.

The BOC Group (BOX), the worldwide industrial gases, vacuum technologies and distribution services company, serves two million customers in more than 50 countries. It employs over 43,000 people and had annual sales of over $8.3 billion in 2004. Further information about The BOC Group may be obtained on the Internet at www.boc.com and www.fuelcellmarkets.com.

BOC is:

-- A member of Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership, the private venture capital firm that invests in early-stage fuel cell and hydrogen companies, and also is a direct investor in other companies, such as the Burnaby-based QuestAir Technologies, working to develop fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies.

-- A member of the board of directors of Fuel Cells Canada and a member of the steering team for Canada's Hydrogen Highway(TM) project.

-- Working with Cellex Power Products, Inc., to develop complete hydrogen supply solutions to power forklift trucks used in large distribution warehouses in North America. Cellex will supply the hydrogen power units that go into the trucks; BOC will provide the indoor hydrogen refueling facilities.

-- A silver member of the California Hydrogen Business Council, a non-profit group that links hydrogen-technology developers, businesses, energy leaders, government, and infrastructure providers. .