Air Products Displays Mobile Hydrogen Fueling Unit at Fuel Cell Technology Earth Day Celebration at the Pentagon

Fueling System Can Be Relocated to Meet Customer or Military's Unique Hydrogen Energy Needs

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., April 21 -- Since President George W. Bush's January 2003 State of the Union Address, the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology has captivated the attention of more than the general public. Specifically, the Department of Defense has taken note of the opportunities provided by hydrogen fuel cells, and today as part of the Pentagon's Earth Day Celebration in Washington, DC, Air Products' mobile hydrogen fueling technology was on display as part of a special preview.

The hydrogen fueler, which comes complete with vehicle hook-ups, is currently in use in the commercial sector, but could also provide the military with additional fueling and energy options for base or field operations. "This totally self-contained unit can be relocated by a variety of light duty vehicles. It can provide hydrogen fuel for a five-vehicle fleet for up to three weeks," said Dr. Tama M. Copeman, director of Future Energy Solutions at Air Products. "This technology has already been proven successful for commercial industries. We believe it holds great promise for military applications."

Air Products was one of several companies taking part in today's Earth Day Celebration at the Pentagon. The event offered Department of Defense personnel the opportunity to view automobile industry fuel cell vehicles and the technological developments of several industrial companies. "Infrastructure is most often discussed when talking about a hydrogen economy. Our system represents a bridge in the development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure," said Dr. Copeman. "The hydrogen fueler's ability to be used without installation or utility hook-up is an important feature. It affords great latitude to the user. We believe this zero-emission hydrogen fueling system offers reliable, cost-effective, and automated fueling capability on demand for the customer."

Air Products delivered its first hydrogen fueler in December 2002 to Honda Motor Company for their Fuel Cell Vehicle Program with the City of Los Angeles, Calif. The new hydrogen fueler features a safe, compact design, and quiet operation with no compressor. Components of the Air Products system are code-compliant with the Department of Transportation, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The system is remotely monitored and designed to ensure daily, around-the-clock, hydrogen fast-fill vehicle fueling availability. The remote system measures the unit's hydrogen fuel storage level, and when needed, the unit is replaced or exchanged for a full unit. Prior to customer use, Air Products' personnel provide operational and fueler safety training for the customers.

Air Products serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. The company is the largest global supplier of electronic materials, hydrogen, helium and select performance chemicals. Founded in 1940, Air Products is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $5.4 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 17,200 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.