APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

Hydrogen Pipeline Receives Key Regulatory Approval in Alberta Industrial Heartland LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD), the leading global hydrogen provider, and its subsidiary Air Products Canada Ltd. today announced it has received regulatory approval from the Alberta Energy Resource Conservation Board for its Heartland Hydrogen Pipeline Project. The approximately 30-mile pipeline will provide hydrogen from Air Products' two operating production facilities near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to refiners, upgraders, chemical processors and other industries in the Alberta Industrial Heartland region. Pipeline construction has begun with onstream status targeted for 2010. "We are very pleased to have received regulatory approval to move forward with the pipeline project. Establishing a hydrogen network in this region will allow us to meet the current and future hydrogen needs of multiple industries in the area. Hydrogen is a major feedstock for bitumen upgrading and refining, and is key to enabling the production of cleaner burning transportation fuels. We expect to make several customer supply announcements in the coming months," said Steve Losby, general manager -- Canada at Air Products. Air Products' approach to the project was to use existing pipeline corridors wherever possible to reduce impact to the environment. "Approximately 95 percent of this project will follow existing pipelines, and where we had to develop a new route, we made careful selections and underwent stringent environmental assessments. This pipeline will meet future hydrogen supply needs and minimize the need for environmental disturbances," said Losby. Pipelines offer a safe, robust and reliable supply of hydrogen to the refinery and petrochemical industry around the world. Globally, Air Products' pipeline operational expertise is evidenced by its network of systems. Besides this newly announced pipeline, Air Products also has a hydrogen pipeline in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, and operates the largest hydrogen pipeline network in the United States Gulf Coast, as well as pipeline systems in California in the U.S. and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. 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 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, Web Site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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