Ceilidh

Michael Zey
futurist3000@aol.com

"We don't know when, or to what extent, hydrogen will become integrated into the country's energy system," Anthony F. Earley, Jr., DTE Energy chairman and CEO, said at the Hydrogen Technology Park dedication event.  "It's likely to take years, if not decades, to fully develop hydrogen technologies.  But we are certain about one thing: We know more about hydrogen today than we did two years ago."

DTE Energy has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the state of Michigan and the city of Southfield to develop, build and operate the pilot project that will create hydrogen gas from tap water and use that gas in fuel cell generators and to refuel fuel cell-powered vehicles.  The hydrogen will be produced using electricity from a combination of grid power and on- site solar photovoltaic cells.  The facility is capable of delivering 100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power a small office complex and several fuel cell vehicles per day.

The $3 million project -- the cost equally shared by DTE Energy and the DOE -- is part of President George W. Bush's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative that will invest $1.7 billion over five years on the research and development needed to make the nation's energy system cleaner and more efficient.

In late April, the project expanded to run through 2008 under another DOE program which will emphasize the co-development of a hydrogen infrastructure with hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.  DTE Energy's partnership with DaimlerChrysler and BP, called "Hydrogen to the Highways," will test DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles and develop a corresponding hydrogen re- fueling infrastructure.

"DaimlerChrysler builds partnerships to expand and promote the use of fuel cell vehicles," said Andreas Schell, director, Fuel Cell Systems at DaimlerChrysler.  "The company now joins with DTE Energy and BP to help further these programs and celebrate the opening of the DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park.  The park and public hydrogen refueling station reflect a strong commitment to fuel cell technology."

The "Hydrogen to the Highways" program allows DTE Energy to extend its activities with the Hydrogen Technology Park and reinforces the company's vision of promoting more independent and environmentally friendly alternatives to the nation's current energy base.

"This project illustrates how government, energy companies and the auto industry can successfully collaborate to stimulate progress in forward- thinking, environmentally friendly fuels," said Carol Battershell, BP's director of alternative fuels.  "It is part of BP's wider commitment to develop cleaner fuels and will provide us with additional practical experience to make the potential hydrogen future a reality."

Other collaborators in the DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park are Lawrence Technological University, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and six DTE Energy subsidiaries.

"Together, we are learning, evaluating, revising and moving forward," Earley said.  "This is a familiar position for DTE Energy.  Our track record of successfully developing expertise in diverse energy sources and technologies has already distinguished us among energy companies across the country.  This includes our efforts with clean coal technologies, biomass, distributed generation, fuel cells, nuclear power, coal bed methane, and drilling for gas in new and untapped areas."

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide.  Its largest operating units are Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, and MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan.  The DTE Energy portfolio of businesses also includes non-regulated subsidiaries supplying a broad range of project and energy management services, primarily to large industrial and commercial customers.  In 2003, DTE Energy posted revenues of approximately $7 billion.  Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com .

DaimlerChrysler is unique in the automotive industry: its product portfolio ranges from small cars to sports cars and luxury sedans; and from versatile vans to heavy duty trucks and comfortable coaches. DaimlerChrysler's passenger car brands include Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and smart.  Commercial vehicle brands include Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Setra.  It offers financial and other automotive services through DaimlerChrysler Services. DaimlerChrysler's strategy rests on four pillars: global presence, strong brands, broad product range, and technology leadership.

BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, with global interests in more than 100 countries.  It is a major producer of oil and gas and has substantial refining, retail, petrochemical and solar interests.  The company employs more than 110,000 people worldwide.  BP's investment in hydrogen demonstration programs supports the company's global commitment to provide lower carbon energy and cleaner fuels today and in the future.  In the U.S., BP offers natural gas for the industrial customer, solar power for residential and business use, low-sulfur gasoline for the driver and ultra-low sulfur diesel for the bus or truck fleet.  In the longer term, that list may include broad use of hydrogen.  BP produces 5,000 tons of hydrogen per day and is a key player in hydrogen demonstration projects across the globe.  Additional information about BP's hydrogen program can be found at www.bp.com/hydrogen .

SOURCE  DTE Energy  

CO:  DTE Energy; U.S. Department of Energy; DaimlerChrysler; BP

ST:  Michigan