WASHINGTON--In 1839, Sir William Robert Grove, the "Father of the Fuel Cell," created a gas voltaic battery that became the forerunner of modern fuel cells by discovering he could generate electricity by reversing the electrolysis of water. Today, the confluence of rising energy costs with matters of energy security and environmental security are beginning to disable traditional barriers, opening energy markets to fuel cell solutions in the process. At last Sir Robert’s brilliant invention is gaining traction and winning acceptance in the alternative energy marketplace.

The 2007 Board of Directors and Program & Technical Demonstration Committees are pleased to announce that they will host the 31st Annual Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, October 15-19, 2007. Attendees will learn about the latest technological advances and market developments in the fuel cell industry, hearing directly from end-users about their experiences with installations and product applications. The newest session track, added to this year’s program, will be devoted to helping manufacturers and developers learn how to market their products for commercialization. Industry experts will also examine and discuss government’s role in supporting fuel cell implementation.

Over 2300 participants and 175 exhibiting companies—representing over 36 different countries—attend annually, making it the largest and most highly regarded fuel cell conference in the world.

This year’s event, entitled, “Fuel Cells: On the Path to Energy Independence,” will feature program tracks covering innovative market solutions that describe how fuel cells promote a cleaner environment with greater efficiency and security than incumbent technologies. The Seminar & Exposition will kick off with a panel of plenary speakers whose roles as industry leaders will inform the attendees of the future direction and growth of fuel cell markets including transportation, portable and stationary power sectors. The event will also engage discussion on how global climate change issues may be driving corporate leaders and policy makers to favor energy investments guaranteeing a lower carbon intensity, igniting the market pull eagerly anticipated by the fuel cell industry.

Attendees will hear from and interact with top executives throughout the global fuel cell industry, including Stephen Melancon, Entergy Nuclear, Inc., Jamie Levin, director of marketing and communications, AC Transit; and Ben Yamagata, executive director, Coal Utilization Research Council, CURC. U.S. Fuel Cell Council Executive Director Robert Rose will provide an update on the state of fuel cell industry, including a benchmark on the technical and commercial progress in the U.S. compared with last year in critical portable, stationary, transportation and military applications.

“Fuel cell products are a fact not a myth. They are providing clean, quiet and reliable energy services in many different applications and we are just now beginning to experience the exciting range of possibilities,” said Sam Logan, CEO of fuel-cell company Logan Energy and board member for the 2007 Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition. “This year’s Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition will not only unite industry leaders, OEMs, developers and energy managers from around the world to showcase the latest products and applications, but will expand networks intent on promoting the qualitative impact that fuel cells can make in our everyday lives.”

Celebrating its 31st year in existence, The Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition is the foremost conference of its kind. The conference attracts over 2300 attendees annually, and offers the largest number of technical papers, the most exhibits, and the best coverage of fuel cell technology and research in the field. Participants include scientists, educators, researchers, energy planners, project developers, investors, students and manufacturers of fuel cell products. The technical sessions are designed to appeal to diverse interests that focus on progress in four product sectors: large stationary fuel cells, small scale/residential fuel cells, transportation and motive fuel cells and portable/micro fuel cells. Panel discussions will address price barriers, fuel diversification, hydrogen storage, product reliability, life cycle costs and market adoption.

For more information about the Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition, a complete listing of exhibitors, or to register for the conference, please visit the website at www.fuelcellseminar.com, or contact us at fuelcellseminar@courtesyassoc.com or by phone at 202.973.8671.