DETROIT — NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy initiative, will host the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) fall Hydrogen Safety Codes and Standards Workshop at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel in Romulus, Mich., September 22-23, 2003. In anticipation of new hydrogen demonstration projects (such as fuel cell projects) in Michigan, and requests by local safety officials for more information on hydrogen safety, NextEnergy and NHA say they have structured this workshop to focus on those needs as well as codes and standards.

The workshop is expected to draw 150 participants from throughout Michigan and around the country, including code officials, hydrogen experts, local authorities, and others involved in the siting and operation of hydrogen energy technology demonstrations. Presenting hydrogen energy experts will include: Neil Rossmeissl, U.S Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Carl Rivkin, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and Robert Mauro, chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO TC 197 on hydrogen technologies.

According to NextEnergy and NHA, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about hydrogen energy and related codes and standards, and they will be able to provide input into the efforts to advance hydrogen technologies. Attendees at this workshop will be among the first audiences for the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL’s) presentation of a new guidebook to assist fire marshals and other code officials in permitting hydrogen energy projects.

Registration for the workshop is free; the deadline is Sept. 19. For more information and to register online, visit www.hydrogensafety.info.

Publication date: 09/08/2003