The event, Partnering for the Global Hydrogen Future will feature both U.S. and international content and an exhibition of technology and products from around the world.

WASHINGTON, D.C - February 28, 2005 - The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) announces the highlights for their 16th annual conference, March 29 through April 1 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The event, Partnering for the Global Hydrogen Future will feature both U.S. and international content and an exhibition of technology and products from around the world.

Interest in hydrogen continues to grow as evidenced by the doubling of requests to speak at the conference. Each day will begin with a high-level plenary session that will include federal and state legislators as well as senior business leaders from automotive, energy and fuel cell businesses. Keynote speakers to date include Alan Lloyd, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency; Jeremy Bentham, CEO, Shell Hydrogen; Carol Battershell, Director, Alternative Fuels, BP; Wolfgang Strobel, General Manager, Projects Clean Energy and Efficient Dynamics - BMW Group; Don Paul, VP and CTO, ChevronTexaco; Dennis Campbell, CEO, Ballard Power Systems; Jon Carolin, Global Director, Hydrogen Energy, BOC; Dan Keuter, Vice President, Nuclear Business Development, Entergy Nuclear; Pierre Rivard, CEO, Hydrogenics Corporation; Roger Saillant, CEO, Plug Power; and Greg Romney, General Manager, Cabot Superior Micropowders. Invited speakers include U.S. Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman; Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND); and Dave Edlund, Chief Technology Officer, IDA Tech.

Partnerships to create a hydrogen future will be only one of the many topics covered throughout the conference. Parallel concurrent sessions will focus on important issues including Analysis, Demonstrations, Military Applications, Production, Safety, and Storage. This year, the conference will also include five Idea Forums that will focus on a variety of issues including Hydrogen from Renewables, Global Technical Regulations, Refining the Hydrogen Message, Lessons Learned from the Natural Gas Industry, and a Legislative Panel. The Idea Forums are designed to promote thought and discussion in the topic areas that lead to a plan of action for the hydrogen community.

Also this year is the Second National Hydrogen Financing Forum (NHF2), an annual event preceding the conference, jointly sponsored by the NHA and the Center for Economic and Environmental Policy, Inc. The NHF2 is a specialized, invitation only forum for emerging hydrogen related companies, investors and strategic partners. Applying companies will be competitively selected to present their business plans to an audience of individual, institutional and corporate investors and strategic partners. More information is available on the NHF2's website, www.H2FinancingForum.org.

Collateral Events
Events that will add to the attendee experience include: NHA Codes and Standards Workshop, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Career Seminar, Vehicle Ride and Drive, Shell Hydrogen Station Tour, Press Events, Hydrogen Expo USA, Private Sector Briefing on the China Hydrogen Roadmap and the MidAtlantic Hydrogen Coalition, Second Annual Student Design Contest, NHA Awards Luncheon, and Industry reception and show by the renowned Congressional signing troupe, Capital Steps.

For further information on conference activities and registration visit our website at www.HydrogenConference.org, or contact NHA by phone: +1-202-223-5547, fax: 202-223-5537 or email at info@hydrogenassociation.org.


About National Hydrogen Association
The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the Nation's premier hydrogen trade organization dedicated to supporting the transition to hydrogen. The members of the NHA include energy companies, automotive manufacturers, fuel cell developers, universities, laboratories and a diverse array of national and international companies which represent the ubiquitous nature of hydrogen. Efforts are focused on education and outreach, policy, safety and codes and standards. Since 1989, the NHA has served as a catalyst for information exchange and cooperative projects and continues to provide the setting for mutual support among industry, research and government organizations.