Issues relating to the uses of fuel cells and hydrogen energy will be examined in October in US locations in the west and mid-west.
The California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) will hold its second hydrogen and fuel cell
summit on 9-10 October in Sacramento at the headquarters of the California Environmental Protection Agency.
The summit plans to provide a forum for businesses, academia and government agencies to explore the transformational potential of hydrogen and fuel cells, says Jeff Serfass, managing director of Los Angeles-based CHBC.
Among the programs is one entitled "Spotlight on Moving Goods - Forklift Trucks, Ports and other Off-road Vehicles".
Andrew Marsh, chief executive officer of Plug Power Inc of Latham, New York, is among the scheduled speakers. Other presenters at the policy-driven summit come from government regulatory and administrative agencies and other organisations such as the California Fuel Cell Partnership, California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, International Council on Clean Transportation and Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.
Two weeks later, the 2013
Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition occurs on 21-24 October in Columbus, Ohio under the auspices of the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance.
The extensive program includes workshops, tours of industry and research facilities, multiple hydrogen and fuel cell presentation tracks, ride-and-drive opportunities, several "states panel" and ground mobility plenary sessions and trade exhibits.
Bill Konstantacos, vice president and Ohio centre general manager for Honda R&D Americas Inc, is 2013 conference chair. He is based in the Raymond, Ohio centre and is responsible for human resources, finance, proving centre operations, legal, corporate communications, philanthropy, external relations and environmental health and safety.
"In 2013, we celebrate 37 years as the premier international gathering of the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industries and their customers and stakeholders," the event organisers say. "The seminar and exposition, founded in 1976, has evolved along with the industry. What was once primarily a forum for fuel cells and related technology research and development has grown to include an increasing number of mature fielded systems and emerging commercial products. Market penetration and commercial success require not only fuel cell technologies, but fuels and infrastructure, a fact acknowledged in our new name."
The non-profit public-private alliance in Columbia, South Carolina collaborates and coordinates efforts for research and integration of hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives.