US Department of Transportation Approves Transport of Hydrogen in Metal Hydride Storage Systems

Approval Represents Significant Step in the Advancement of the Hydrogen Economy

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., April 20 -- Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC (TOHS) announced today that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the transport of hydrogen in metal hydride storage systems developed by TOHS for portable applications. This approval represents an early step to the advancement of the hydrogen economy as it now enables customers across the United States to receive shipments of hydrogen fuel products ready to be plugged into a growing array of hydrogen-fueled devices.

"Gaining this DOT authorization is a major regulatory achievement for the envisioned future of hydrogen as a fuel source in our economy. We are very excited that DOT has granted this authorization for our portable products. The exemption clears a significant hurdle to market acceptance by permitting our business partners to ship fully operational products to their customers," said Ned Stetson, Regulatory manager for TOHS.

Although DOT has granted previous shipping exemptions for specific metal hydride products, this new exemption is unique in several ways. It authorizes the manufacture, mark, sale, and use of metal hydride hydrogen storage systems applicable to the family of portable canisters currently under development at TOHS, allowing hydrogen storage capacity up to 1300 standard liters. The exemption also authorizes re-qualification by ultrasonic inspection, effectively extending the service life of a metal hydride canister well beyond the 5-year limit of previous exemptions. Additionally, the exemption authorizes use of the internationally recognized UN3468 identification number for "Hydrogen in a Metal Hydride Storage System."

According to Michael Zelinsky, TOHS Business Development manager, "The industry has been waiting for this breakthrough approval to facilitate commercialization of portable fuel-cell-powered equipment. By removing the barriers of transportation and mandated product life previously associated with hydride canisters, this exemption strategically positions our company to serve the needs of our business partners and continue to build toward mutual success. The authorization for a family of hydrogen storage products under this exemption will significantly shorten time to market for new products."

Metal hydride storage technology is viewed as a key element in enabling the commercialization of portable fuel cell appliances. Rather than storing hydrogen in its gaseous form, metal hydrides work by bonding hydrogen atoms to metal storage alloy forming a safe, compact, low-pressure storage medium. A metal hydride storage canister can effectively hold more than three times the amount of hydrogen that could be stored as a compressed gas in the same size vessel. The low operating pressure makes these units safe to handle, store, and use, making them the ideal choice for portable hydrogen storage. Early adopters for hydrogen-fueled appliances are likely to be portable generators, remote monitoring equipment, video cameras, and other small electronic devices that require high reliability or long run-time not available from batteries.

About TOHS

Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC is a 50-50 joint venture between Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) and ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures LLC formed to bring metal hydride hydrogen storage systems into commercial production. These markets include fuel-cell-powered vehicles, stationary and portable power systems, and lead acid battery replacements. TOHS, headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., is testing both large and small hydrogen systems for a variety of applications. For more information, visit www.txohydrogen.com .