APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- University of Missouri-Rolla students returning to fall classes were presented with the opportunity to participate in the state's first-ever demonstration program featuring hydrogen as an alternative fuel to power campus shuttle bus services. Air Products (NYSE:APD), a leader in the development of hydrogen fueling technology and hydrogen infrastructure, installed its mobile hydrogen fueler technology at nearby HyPoint Industrial Park in Rolla to provide fuel daily for the state's first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service. "It is always exciting to be part of a team leading the introduction of a new technology, and a college campus is a great place to showcase technological innovations," said Bob Kelly, business development manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. "The shuttle buses fueled by Air Products will travel campus streets daily to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. We are pleased to be part of the team and commend the University of Missouri-Rolla for being a leader and promoting the use of alternative fuels and transportation." Two hydrogen-powered shuttle buses will be used at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The test site is a joint effort among the University of Missouri-Rolla, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, National University Transportation Center, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Logistics Agency. "The University of Missouri-Rolla, soon to become Missouri University of Science and Technology, is focused on preparing today's students to become tomorrow's leaders. Our 'Show Me the Road to Hydrogen' initiative is an excellent example of a partnership among university, industry and government groups working towards a common goal," said Dr. John Sheffield, a professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. Plans for the state's first permanent hydrogen fueling station are being finalized for installation in St. Robert, Mo. by 2008. After the permanent fueling station is completed, it will provide fuel for a commuter service for Fort Leonard Wood employees along the Interstate 44 corridor, and a test bed for demonstrating the safe generation, storage and dispensing of hydrogen. Air Products has placed into operation an industry-leading 21 mobile hydrogen fuelers in the United States and worldwide today. The versatile Air Products mobile hydrogen fueler comes complete with fueling storage and dispensing, and can be transported from location to location to provide hydrogen fueling for promotional demonstrations or remote endurance testing. The fueler can be remotely monitored and is designed to ensure daily, around- the-clock hydrogen vehicle fueling availability. Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has placed over 70 fueling stations on-stream in 12 countries, including for mass transit fueling in Beijing, China for buses to be used to shuttle athletes and visitors for the 2008 Olympic Games. Over 40,000 vehicle fuelings have already taken place using Air Products' technology. As the world's largest supplier of merchant hydrogen, Air Products is a leader in the development of the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine automobiles, HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) vehicles, and has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. More information on Air Products' hydrogen fueling station technologies and activities can be found at http://www.airproducts.com/h2energy. 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. Air Products has annual revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.airproducts.com/. ***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations. DATASOURCE: Air Products CONTACT: Media, Art George, +1-610-481-1340, , or Investors, Nelson Squires, +1-610-481-7461, , both of Air Products Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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