National Renewable Energy Laboratory among several stops

WASHINGTON, DC - At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., on Tuesday, April 27, at 2:45 p.m., U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, will announce recipients of more than $350 million in hydrogen research projects to support President Bush's hydrogen economy initiative.

Earlier in the day, Secretary Abraham was to hold a news conference on the initiative in Detroit, joined by representatives of the Big 3 Auto makers. Participants at the Wayne State University Tech Center event were to include Daimler-Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Today, the President announced that the Department of Energy has selected partners through a competitive process to fund new hydrogen research projects totaling $350 million ($575 million with private cost share) to overcome obstacles to a hydrogen economy. This represents nearly one-third of the President's $1.2 billion commitment in research funding to bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology from the laboratory to the showroom.

Selected through a merit-reviewed, competitive process, the projects involve 30 lead organizations and include over 100 partners. Recipients include academia, industry and DOE national laboratories.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
Tuesday, April 27
11:45 a.m. - Press Conference
Wayne State University, TechTown
440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202

GOLDEN, COLORADO:
Tuesday, April 27
2:45 p.m. - Hydrogen Grant Announcement
National Renewable Energy Lab; Golden, Colorado

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:
Wednesday, April 28; 9:00 a.m.
National Hydrogen Association, Keynote speech Renaissance Hotel; 1755 N. Highland Avenue (Tentative -- media availability to follow)