FuelCellsWorks

Location: Grand Ballroom, Second Level, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California

9:15am

Keynote addresses from:

+ Markus Bachmeier, Head of Hydrogen Solutions, The Linde Group

+ Yoshihiko Masuda, Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation

10:00am

Gov. Schwarzenegger will deliver remarks at the National Hydrogen Association Conference and Expo, the largest hydrogen conference in the U.S. and the longest-running annual hydrogen conference in the world. Following his remarks, Gov. Schwarzenegger will tour the expo.

10:30am

Keynote addresses from:

+ Gijs van Breda Vriesman, Commercial Manager Europe Alternative Energy, Shell Hydrogen

+ Charles Freese, Executive Director of Fuel Cell Activities, General Motors

Registration: One-day registration is available on site. Registration for members of the press is complimentary.

www.HydrogenConference.org

Governor Schwarzenegger

About the NHA Hydrogen Conference and Expo

The NHA Hydrogen Conference and Expo is the largest hydrogen conference in the US. Now in its 21st year, it is also the longest-running annual hydrogen conference in the world, attracting more than 1,200 business professionals and expo visitors every year, who gather to learn about the latest advances, network with colleagues and exchange ideas. The accompanying Expo offers more than 100 exhibits, three industry tours and a Ride& Drive, which features vehicles using the latest in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. More information may be obtained at: www.HydrogenConference.org

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.– Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that its hydrogen fueling technology has been selected for a demonstration project at the Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin (DDJC) in Tracy, California.  Upon successful negotiation of an agreement, Air Products’ hydrogen and fueling technology will be used to power 20 Class I forklifts that will move warehouse materials in support of America’s Armed Forces located around the world.  The work at DDJC marks the fourth warehouse materials handling project Air Products has participated in with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Air Products will supply a hydrogen compression, storage and dispensing system at Tracy.  The hydrogen to fuel the forklifts will be produced through an electrolysis process provided by Proton Energy.  Air Products will also supply back-up gaseous hydrogen.  Fueling of the forklifts, fitted with Plug Power’s (Nasdaq: PLUG) GenDrive™ hydrogen fuel cell power units, is to begin in 2011.  Air Products is a subcontractor on this project to the Center for Transportation & the Environment (CTE) in Atlanta, Ga. DDJC is in the military readiness business and is the Department of Defense’s Western Strategic Distribution Platform, serving as one of the hubs of logistics activities for America’s military.

“We are pleased to be working with the military on another hydrogen project.  We also commend the DLA at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania for being the initial showcase and an early adopter for this technology,” said Brian O’Neil, program manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products.  Details on Air Products’ hydrogen fueling station technologies are provided at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

Air Products is involved in three other DLA Projects in the United States including:

• Joint Base Lewis-McCord (Tacoma, Washington)

Air Products will provide hydrogen compression, storage and two dispensing units to power 19 fuel cell powered material handling units fitted with Plug Power’s technology, as well as a hybrid electric fuel cell bus.  The hydrogen will be produced from anaerobic digester gas from a wastewater treatment plant located on base.  The generated hydrogen will be compressed and stored in Air Products’ tube trailers for transportation across the Base to a dispensing location to support the forklift and bus fuelings.  Air Products is a subcontractor to CTE on this project.  Fueling is scheduled to begin in late 2010.

• Defense Distribution Depot Warner Robins (Robins Air Force Base, Georgia)

Air Products is providing two of its mobile fuelers, an on-site steam methane reformer, hydrogen compression, storage and a dispensing unit to fuel 20 Class I forklifts.  Air Products is a subcontractor at this site to Concurrent Technologies Corporation of Johnstown, Pa. The project was placed on stream earlier this year.

• Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania (New Cumberland, Pa.)

Air Products is going to be adding another hydrogen dispensing unit at this location to fuel both a shuttle bus and other potential applications.  Air Products compression, storage and dispensing technology has been fueling a fleet of 40 forklifts since 2009.  Plug Power’s technology is in 20 of the forklifts at the site.

There are many advantages to using hydrogen powered forklifts and other material handling equipment.  Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment needs refueling once or twice daily, depending on use.  In contrast, traditional battery-powered equipment must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging approximately every four to six hours.  Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment provides consistent power strength during use and does not experience decreased performance or wear down as traditional lead-acid battery units do as they near a required battery change out or recharge time.  Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are not adversely impacted by temperature or by operating in coolers and freezers, in comparison to traditional battery performance.  Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment is more environmentally friendly because it does not involve lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

Air Products’ hydrogen fueling technology is currently being used to fuel over 300 material handling vehicles including: fuel cell powered pallet trucks at Wegmans Retail Service Center in Pottsville, Pa.; fuel cell powered lift trucks at Central Grocers’ new distribution center in Joliet, Ill.; hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts at Nestle Waters North America in Dallas, Tex.; hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania in New Cumberland, Pa.; as well as hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts at several other customers in the United States.  In addition, mobile fueling equipment unique and patented by Air Products has been and continues to be deployed to a variety of customers for the purpose of demonstrating the technology in real world conditions.

Air Products, the leading hydrogen supplier to refineries to assist in making cleaner burning transportation fuels, has unique experience in the hydrogen fueling industry. In fact, in certain market applications, fueling rates of over 10,000 refills per year are occurring. These applications provide an opportunity to assess consumer experiences, evaluate product performance and to advance product improvements.  The company has placed over 110 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 18 countries worldwide.  Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, other material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with this trend-setting technology that involves Air Products’ know-how, equipment, and hydrogen. Use of the company’s technology is increasing and is currently at 175,000 hydrogen fills per year.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology.  Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures.  Hydrogen for these stations is delivered to a site via truck, produced by natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Plug Power

Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq: PLUG), an established leader in the development and deployment of clean, reliable energy solutions, integrates fuel cell technology into motive, continuous and backup power products. The Company is actively engaged with private and public customers in targeted markets throughout the world. For more information about how to join Plug Power’s energy revolution as an investor, customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit: www.plugpower.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio will celebrate 10 years of success and global leadership in the fuel cell industry at the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium scheduled for May 6-7, 2010 at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. According to the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition (www.FuelCellCorridor.com), the statewide fuel cell industry organization hosting the event, the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium will recognize Ohio’s unique combination of knowledge, resources and infrastructure that has supported the development of the state’s fuel cell industry. The result is a hotbed of fuel cell businesses that have successfully developed and commercialized products for a global audience.

“Ohio is one of the few places in the world where all phases of fuel cell development take place,” said Pat Valente, Executive Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. “In Ohio, business owners gain world-class access to research and development, a robust supply chain, and final product manufacturing.  What’s more, they also have the added advantage of cross-sector support from business, government and educational institutions to further innovation and commercialization opportunities.”

Ohio is proving its capabilities in the fuel cell industry at a global level, most recently being ranked among the top five fuel cell states in the nation, according to a new report published by Fuel Cells 2000 titled, “State of the States: Fuel Cells in America.”

The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition is a major driver of Ohio’s fuel cell economy. The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, the largest state fuel cell association in the nation with more than 80 members including industry, academic, and non-profit organizations that include: Battelle, Edison Welding Institute, NexTech Materials, Honda, Rolls Royce, Crown Equipment, GrafTech, Case Western Reserve University, and The Ohio State University, many of which will participate in the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium event.

The event will celebrate the 10th anniversary by recognizing the pioneers if Ohio’s fuel cell industry who have been instrumental in developing the state’s state of the art advanced energy technologies.

“In just 10 years, Ohio has taken its fuel cell industry from its infancy to become a world-leader in development and manufacturing in this energy efficient technology,” said Bill Dawson, CEO of NexTech Materials, Ltd., and one of the panelists recognizing Ohio’s 10 years of achievement in the fuel cell industry.

According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, Ohio’s fuel cell industry is further proof that the state is transforming its economy and adding new programs to educate and train a new generation of green collar workers to meet the advanced energy needs of the 21st century.

“Ohio is home to some of the best and brightest talent in the fuel cell industry, and continues to provide the necessary tools to allow both businesses and individuals the opportunity to pursue both their professional and personal aspirations,” said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. “Ohio truly is the state of Perfect Balance.”

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio’s economic development efforts. For more information, visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

For more information about the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium, or to register for the event, visit, www.FuelCellCorridor.com.

LONG BEACH, Calif.– Today at the National Hydrogen Association Conference and Expo in Long Beach, California, the University of South Carolina – City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative, a partnership between the University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, EngenuitySC and the South Carolina Research Authority, announced the launch of the Greater Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge 2010. The challenge is an innovation-based competition focused on identifying and commercializing novel hydrogen, fuel cell and clean technologies in South Carolina.

Teams from around the world are invited to compete by submitting business plans for developing the next generation of products focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technology and fuel cell components.  Teams can consist of start-up companies, collaborations, scientists, researchers, students, and any other group that is working on breakthrough technologies that have near term commercial viability.

“The Fuel Cell Challenge is about the power of ideas and innovation,” said Neil McLean, Executive Director of EngenuitySC, an active public/private partnership that is promoting the growth of Columbia’s knowledge-based economy. “The competition originates in Columbia, SC, but we want to connect to ideas in any lab, company, or region in the world.”

Awards will be granted for first, second, and third place submissions in the amounts of $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000, respectively, in the form of non-returnable commercialization investments through the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Industry Partners Fund and SC Launch, a program of the SCRA. Winners will also receive business support resources.

“The City of Columbia is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to technology transition and commercialization and to being a city that embraces innovative solutions and high-tech entrepreneurs,” said Bob Coble, Mayor of the City of Columbia.

Submissions will be based on a two phase process, and the deadline for round one is July 16, 2010.  To qualify for the contest, teams must have secure intellectual property, a corresponding business plan demonstrating commercial viability and not have received previous Fuel Cell Challenge or SC Launch funding.  Additionally, applicants must have business operations or the willingness to relocate to the Columbia, SC, region.

To download an application and read more information about submission requirements, qualifications and deadlines visit www.fuelcellcollaborative.com.

About the USC Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative

The University of South Carolina – City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative was formed by the University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, EngenuitySC and the South Carolina Research Authority to position Columbia, SC as a leader in hydrogen fuel cell innovation and technology.  Our mission is to attract top fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs, and private sector partners to help grow an innovation pipeline from discovery to development to deployment of fuel cell technology. For more information, visit www.fuelcellcollaborative.com.

Richland The city of Richland and Bonneville Power Administration have awarded Areva a one-time incentive payment of nearly $135,000 for a new hydrogen generation system.

The award follows the successful installation and startup of Areva’s new Hydrogen Supply System.

This new safe and eco-friendly system efficiently produces gaseous hydrogen for use in Areva’s manufacturing processes. The system also provides for on-site generated backup hydrogen and gas-mixing equipment for improved process efficiency.

They system is expected to save just over 1.1 million kilowatt hours per year, said company officials.

The new process provides the equipment to blend hydrogen and nitrogen gas in any proportion for process flexibility and significant cost savings through reduction in hydrogen consumption in the conversion process and in six sintering furnaces.

The new hydrogen supply system is fully automated requiring minimal operator support. A significant reduction in greenhouse gases has also been realized as a result of this project.

Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/05/03/1000513/areva-receives-135000-for-hydrogen.html#ixzz0myFlZM7U

Robins Air Force Base says it’s working on several cost-saving initiatives, and some, it says, have already started to show results.

A base employee takes his forklift for a quick fuel-up, but he’s not going to an ordinary fuel pump.

That’s because the juice that keeps the machinery running isn’t gas or electricity–it’s hydrogen.

The portable hydrogen station he’s using is just one of the base’s energy-saving initiatives. It can fuel up to 20 forklifts, which will run for 8 hours and put out water and oxygen as waste.

Off-setting the cost to make the hydrogen fuel is a 17- by 60-foot solar panel.

Art Howard with the Environmental Management Office says it’s a test project through the Advanced Power Technology Office.

“The panel is two-axis,” Howard says, “It tracks the sun as turns, but also as it tilts.”

Howard says if the base finds its forklifts and other vehicles run well on the hydrogen, it will look at converting other vehicles.

He says it’s a small part of a larger goal to cut water, fossil fuel, and energy use on the base, which he says uses as much energy as a city with a population of 75,000.

Through a base-wide energy awareness campaign alone, he says they’ve cut energy use by 6 to 8 percent, saving about $1.2 million.

In the long run though, he says, it’s not just about saving energy.

“If we can continue to turn out the quality of work we do and lower our costs, it will make us more competitive,” says Howard. ”We think, in the long run, it’ll help preserve jobs here.”

The base would not say how much the solar panel cost to build.

Another inititiave, says solid waste program manager Susan Green, is a base-wide scrap metal recycling program that started last fall.

She says since October that program has generated more than $90,000 for the base.