While the United States, and California in particular, are recognized by many as the most attractive market for products based on H2 fuel, many contributions to the clean and safe energy supply of the future come from Germany.

Long Beach, CA / Alpen, Germany, 17-Jan-2006 - A growing number of German manufacturers dedicated to the development of clean hydrogen (H2) and fuel cell (FC) technologies is showcasing their achievements at Hydrogen Expo US. The leading exhibition for the North American market is held on March 12 to 14, 2006 in Long Beach, California this year and is part of the National Hydrogen Association's Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006 (March 12-16).

While the United States, and California in particular, are recognized by many as the most attractive market for products based on H2 fuel, many contributions to the clean and safe energy supply of the future come from Germany. BMW and DaimlerChrysler were the first auto companies to test hydrogen-fueled propulsion systems in their vehicles, establishing benchmarks for the H2 internal combustion engine and FC powertrain when the industry was still in its infancy. Linde has become a leader in H2 storage technology, collaborating with automotive and energy companies worldwide to further its vision of a hydrogen eonomy. The German State of North-Rhine Westfalia (NRW) was a pioneer in providing a platform for the many small and mid-sized companies from a region that suffered heavily from the downfall of the coal and steel industries. NRW's Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network assists its member companies in securing state, federal and EU funding and offers a wide range of additional services to companies committed to clean energy technologies.

At Hydrogen Expo US, almost 20% of the exhibitors now come from Germany, including BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Network NRW, GSR Ventiltechnik (special valve constructions), Linde, MST Technology (hydrogen sensors), UST Umweltsensortechnik (H2 and gas sensors), and others. Hydrogen Expo US, held with the National Hydrogen Association's Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006, is expected to feature 80 international exhibitors and to attract more than 1,500 attendees from North America, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

The exhibitor list, floorplan, and application for exhibit space are available at: www.hydrogenexpo.com

Important dates:
Hydrogen Expo US 2006, March 12-14
NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006, March 12-16

About Hydrogen Expo US:
Hydrogen Expo (TM) is organized by Germany-based Freesen & Partner GmbH. The company launched the first stand-alone hydrogen and fuel cell exhibition and conference "H2Expo" in Germany in 2001 before taking the success formula to the United States and to partner with the National Hydrogen Association. Freesen & Partner is a consulting and event management firm specialized in putting together targeted trade shows and conferences that meet its participants expectations in a time-saving, cost-effective manner. www.freesen.de

About the NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference:
The NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference with Hydrogen Expo US is the largest hydrogen conference in the United States and the longest running annual hydrogen conference in the world. More than one thousand business professionals and expo visitors are expected to attend the 17th Annual Conference in Long Beach California, March 12-16, 2006 to experience "Global Progress Toward Clean Energy", network with industry leaders and learn about the latest developments from keynote addresses, specialized technical sessions and the technology exhibition. To register and for more details on all events and workshops, sponsorship and other conference details, visit www.hydrogenconference.org

Hydrogen Expo US Press Contact:
Ines Freesen
Freesen & Partner GmbH
ph +49-2802-948484-0
fx +49-2802-948484-3
email: info@hydrogenexpo.com