DTE Energy (DTE) today announced it will partner with DaimlerChrysler, BP America and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on a demonstration project that will focus on the co-development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and a supporting hydrogen infrastructure.

One of five projects awarded by the DOE this year, the "Hydrogen to the Highways" project is part of a larger, $240 million DOE initiative to conduct demonstrations that emphasize co-developing hydrogen infrastructure in parallel with hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. The project will test at least 20 DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles and develop corresponding hydrogen re-fueling infrastructures in several geographic areas -- including Michigan and California.

The new program, which will run through 2008, allows DTE Energy to extend its current activities with its Hydrogen Technology Park project in Southfield, Mich., and reinforces the company's vision of promoting more independent and environmentally friendly alternatives to the nation's current energy base.

"This new project adds to the ongoing efforts with our own Hydrogen Technology Park and will provide critical insight into the role of hydrogen in our energy system," said Anthony F. Earley Jr., chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. "Each step in this exploration moves us closer to the next era of energy -- an era when energy becomes safer, quieter, more reliable and cleaner than ever before."

Scheduled to begin operations later this year, the DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park will be capable of delivering 100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year -- enough to power a small office complex or about 20 homes -- and refueling several fuel cell vehicles per day.

Earley noted that this new program, including DTE Energy's Hydrogen Technology Park, will help the State of Michigan become a world leader in advanced energy technologies that will eventually play an important role in the nation's energy system.

"The new partnership with DaimlerChrysler, BP America and the DOE expands our on-going efforts to position Michigan at the center of new energy technology development and the associated job creation," Earley said.

DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its largest operating units are Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, and MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com .