Hydrogen Expo USA Shows Market-Ready Solutions

No anxious fire marshal, no safety concerns on behalf of the venue. While in the past vehicles had to have their engines cut before move-in, the Honda FCX meant for indoor display at the leading North American hydrogen and fuel cells exhibition was simply driven to the booth. Hydrogen vehicles have come a long way from sci-fi-type oddities to an increasingly attractive alternative to cars running on expensive gasoline.



Seventeen hydrogen vehicles, including a flashy BMW racing car, a golf cart and three buses, were presented at Hydrogen Expo USA and the National Hydrogen Association's 16th Annual Conference from March 29 to April 1, 2005 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The majority of the cars participated in a ride and drive which gave attendees the chance to get behind the steering wheel and see what the mobility of the future is going to be like. Manufacturers at the ride and drive included DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, and UTC Fuel Cells who developed the powertrain for one of the buses.



The expo showed the whole chain from hydrogen production to the compression or liquefaction and storage of the gas, to its distribution at hydrogen fueling stations. Also on display were fuel cell technologies, materials and components for the design and manufacture of the clean energy converter, test stations and complete systems for applications in transportation, stationary energy supply and portable, grid-independent power.



"As a power source for residential and commercial heat and power alike, hydrogen fuel cells provide a clean, safe and reliable option", said Ines Freesen, Managing Director of Hydrogen Expo USA organizer Freesen & Partner. "And with the price for oil and electricity exploding, this technology which used to be brandmarked as too expensive is now on our doorsteps as a very viable alternative."



65 international suppliers presented market-ready technologies at Hydrogen Expo USA, which drew attendance of some 1,100 delegates. Compared to the last Annual Conference and Expo in Washington, DC in 2003, this means an increase in exhibitor numbers by 180 percent and an increase in attendance by 70 percent.



The next Hydrogen Expo USA and NHA Annual Conference will be held on March 11 to 16, 2006 in Long Beach, CA.

Source: on pressbot.org | Date: 20.08.2005 - 1:48 | 492 times read