On 19 March 2007, PATH held its 2^nd Executive Meeting of National Hydrogen Associations in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the Annual Hydrogen Conference 2007: Hydrogen Here and Now, hosted by the National Hydrogen Association of the U.S.A.

More than 20 representatives from 9 countries met to discuss the current state of the hydrogen economy.  The agenda was broken up into 6 categories:

Member Association Reports
Representatives from 5 of PATH's member associations gave reports on hydrogen activities within their respective countries.  Speakers included:

• Mr. Terry Kimmel, Executive Director of the Canadian Hydrogen Association, provided a comprehensive presentation highlighting the many hydrogen projects across Canada;

• Mr. Claude Derive of the Association Française de l'Hydrogène (AFH2, France), provided a summary of AFH2s recent hydrogen accomplishments, including their successful hosting of the 16th WHEC Conference in 2006, recent publications and carbon reduction studies, and highlighted France's national vision for hydrogen in the years 2010-2050.

• Mr. Phillip Baxley, Chairman of the U.S. National Hydrogen Association, highlighted the NHA's 2007 program, including projects related to the Association's work on Education & Outreach, Policy & Government Affairs, and Codes & Standards.  He also provided a summary of the upcoming Annual Hydrogen Conference 2007, the NHA's Annual Hydrogen, which generously hosted the Executive Meeting.

• Ms. Karen Hall, Secretary and Administrative Manager of the United Kingdom Hydrogen Association (UKHA), provided an overview of hydrogen activities in the United Kingdom.  The UKHA is PATH's newest Affiliate Member, joining PATH in March 2007 (see "The UKHA Joins PATH").  Ms. Hall provided a background of the roles that the UKHA expects to actively play in the areas of codes & standards, policy, and network building and strengthening inside the UK.  The UKHA is planning to initiate an industry-driven roadmap for hydrogen-energy in the UK in 2007.

• Dr. Ken-ichiro Ota of the Hydrogen Energy Systems Society of Japan (HESS) provided an oral presentation on Japanese-Argentinean collaboration projects, including the Argentinean Wind project with Dr. Juan-Carlos Bolcich, President of Asociacion Argentina del Hidrogeno.

Hydrogen Feature Success Stories
The theme of the Executive Meeting "Hydrogen Success Stories."  Consistent with this theme, PATH welcomed two guest presentations from Rymal Smith, of Toronto Village and Steve Gilchrist, of Canadian Hydrogen Energy Company, makers of hydrogen fuel injection systems for public buses, to provide stories of how hydrogen energy is improving the lives of average citizens.

Guest Country Reports
In addition to member reports and success stories, PATH welcomed guest reports from Dr. Krishna Sapru on hydrogen progress in India and Dr. Arturo Fernandez Madrigal, of Sociedad Mexicana del Hidrogeno (Mexican Hydrogen Society), on how a hydrogen program may fit in Mexico's new administration.  PATH will continue to work with our representatives to advance the commercialization of hydrogen infrastructure into those economies.

Report from the European Hydrogen Association
Dr. Lars Sjunnesson, Chairman of the European Hydrogen Association, was invited to provide an update on current events in Europe.  Dr. Sjunnesson summarized the current work of the EHA and provided projections of various hydrogen and fuel cell products in Europe by 2020, along with ways the EHA is working to help make those projections met.

PATH's International Hydrogen Initiative Database
PATH is proud to announce its newest resource for members: the International Hydrogen Initiative Database (see "PATH Develops an International Hydrogen Initiatives Database").  In addition to national initiatives, the database highlights local and regional (city/state/provincial) initiatives that are too often overshadowed by larger national and multi-national initiatives.

The database will be officially launched in June 2007.  PATH members may access the database via the Members' Only website.

Interactive Session and Conclusion
The final part of the Executive Meeting included an interactive session, in which meeting participants engaged in an open dialogue to look for opportunities for further collaboration and work project opportunities.

The Meeting Proceedings, including presentations and attendance list, have been posted to the Members' Only website, and accessible by PATH members, and members of their associations.

Sponsors
PATH is grateful for the generous financial support of E.ON Sverige and Shell Hydrogen to host the meeting.  PATH is also grateful to the National Hydrogen Association for hosting the Executive Meeting.  PATH will continue to seek opportunities to host future events in member associations' host countries at venues in conjunction with large international hydrogen conferences and meetings.  Opportunities to sponsor PATH events and services are available to industry organizations.  Interested sponsors may contact Brian Schorr, Program Manager, at 202-457-0076 ext. 309 or email bschorr@ttcorp.com for more information.