Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Breaks New Ground

Washington, DC—In just the last few days, auto manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel cell and component manufacturers have revealed breaking news or new products, creating a wave of energy to open the largest hydrogen and fuel cell event of the year.  The NHA Hydrogen Conference and Expo starts Monday, May 3 in Long Beach, CA at the Long Beach Convention Center.  

"We're proud to show that our industry has been hard at work, investing in and improving the technologies that will reduce fuel imports, reduce greenhouse gases and create new jobs and business." - Jeffrey Serfass, President of the National Hydrogen Association

“Companies often pick this venue to show off their latest technologies and services,” said Jeffrey Serfass, President of the National Hydrogen Association. “We’re proud to show that our industry has been hard at work, investing in and improving the technologies that will reduce fuel imports, reduce greenhouse gases and create new jobs and business.  Next week, we’ll share more announcements and reveal the identity of a special guest speaker.” 

At the NHA event, for the first time, attendees and the public will be able to test-drive the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL fuel cell electric vehicle and the Mazda RX-8 hydrogen rotary on U.S. streets. It will also be the first time the public will have the opportunity to ride in the Class 8, heavy-duty, fuel cell Tyrano truck from Vision Industries used in the Port of Long Beach to reduce emissions related to the shipping industry. These vehicles will be a part of a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen engine vehicles available for rides and test-drives during the event.

In the hydrogen production sector, Proton Energy Systems will unveil their new electrolyzer platform for hydrogen fueling. The FuelGen 65 produces the hydrogen equivalent of up to 65 gallons of gasoline per day from water, using electricity.  Industrial gas supplier Linde’s newly formed Alternative Energy Team will be on hand to discuss the first on-road application of Linde’s novel Ionic Compressor technology. And, for the first time, WEH Technologies will have a hands-on demonstration of how to use their TK17 patented fueling nozzle.  It feels and works like a gasoline dispenser, but this nozzle makes an airtight seal to dispense odorless and environmentally-friendly hydrogen gas.

In other news, ITM Power has chosen the 2010 NHA Hydrogen Conference Expo to roll-out its first range of products for the US market. ITM has developed several electrolyzer products for a range of applications, from the laboratory, through soldering and joining, to fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles.  Also, RIX Industries will announce a new oil-less compressor which allows hydrogen users to fit a lot of hydrogen into a small space.

While not every company is making an announcement, more than one in every three exhibitors are new to the NHA’s Expo this year compared to 2009. 

“This year, we have more than 40 companies who will bring their technology and services to the Expo Hall for the first time in at least two years—a lifetime in the development of hydrogen technologies,” said Bruce Cole, NHA”s Expo Manager. “They highlight every sector of the industry and even some related industries who have come to the Expo to explore new business opportunities.”

Activities begin Monday, May 3 and end on Thursday, May 6. For a complete listing of presentations, workshops and events, visit www.hydrogenconference.org. The Ride and Drive and Expo are open free to the public on Tuesday, May 4 from 10-4:30pm.