Air Products is Honored with Prestigious Rushlight Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Award

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) has been awarded the prestigious Rushlight Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Award for its innovative Series 100 Hydrogen Fueling Station technology.  The technology, which is helping break down barriers to the development of the hydrogen economy, clearly fit the Award's aims of promoting and celebrating leading environmental technologies in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland.

"Receiving the Rushlight Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Award is a great honor.  It demonstrates the importance in developing hydrogen infrastructure in line with hydrogen vehicle development and the ultimate potential benefits of drastically reducing carbon emissions.  As the market leading hydrogen producer and the global leader in the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure, the supply flexibility of our Series 100 fueling station is complemented by the different routes of economical green hydrogen that we're developing.  Our goal to introduce infrastructure alongside hydrogen vehicles with well-to-wheel emissions that are virtually zero, making a green hydrogen world not far away," said Ian Williamson, director, Hydrogen Energy Systems–Air Products Europe.

The Air Products Series 100 Hydrogen Fueling Station has been an important enabler in changing industry and consumer perception in the UK as to the validity and safety of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.  The Rushlight Award acknowledges the success of this fully integrated fueling station in meeting the needs of hydrogen fueling test and demonstration programs.  The Series 100's features include simple operation for hydrogen compression, storage and dispensing, a small footprint, quick installation and ease of relocation.  Details on Air Products' hydrogen fueling station technologies are provided at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.  

As the automotive industry increases its investment in developing fuel cell vehicles and power systems, the challenge of infrastructure is being addressed at the same time.  The Rushlight judges recognized Air Products' Series 100 Hydrogen Fueling Station as a first step to do this in the UK, demonstrating the potential for further market penetration in the future.

The current Series 100 systems in place form a 'backbone' of hydrogen fueling facilities and the basis of a UK Hydrogen network.  The further development of this network will strengthen the UK's hydrogen position globally, ultimately helping generate carbon savings.  It also makes the UK an attractive place for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to bring hydrogen vehicles and further develop the marketplace.

Air Products, the leading hydrogen supplier to refineries to assist in making cleaner burning transportation fuels, has placed over 110 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 18 countries worldwide.  Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, other material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with this trend-setting technology that involves Air Products' know-how, equipment and hydrogen.  Use of the company's technology is increasing and is currently at 135,000 hydrogen fills per year. 

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development.  Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology.  Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures.  Hydrogen for these stations is delivered to a site via truck, or produced by on-site natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services.  Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives.  The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment.  In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe.  For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

SOURCE Air Products