B.C.'S FUEL CELL & HYDROGEN INDUSTRY POWERS-UP IN ASIA

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s world-leading fuel cell and hydrogen technology will be front-and-centre at the 5^th International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo (FC Expo 2009) in Tokyo, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

“The world, especially Asia, is seeking new and clean energy sources,” said Chong, who is also Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative. “There is no doubt that British Columbia’s fuel cell and hydrogen industry will continue to grow, creating jobs and strengthening the economy, as the world embraces this sustainable technology. Our government is pleased to support B.C.’s home-grown technology on the world stage.”

The Province has teamed up with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association to create a Canada Pavilion, promoting made-in-British Columbia hydrogen and fuel cell technology to global markets. The pavilion will be the focal point for delegates, business and governments interested in acquiring British Columbia and Canadian commercial technology.

Five British Columbia-based companies will be featured at the pavilion: Ballard Power Systems; QuestAir Technologies; Palcan Energy Corporation; Dpoint Technologies and Greenlight Innovation. In addition, the National Research Council’s Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation, housed on the University of British Columbia’s campus, will also be present.

FC Expo 2009 will take place at the Tokyo International Convention Centre (Tokyo Big Sight) from Wednesday, Feb. 25 to Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. Last year’s show drew almost 25,000 visitors from 44 countries along with 467 exhibitors from 16 countries.

B.C.’s participation at FC Expo 2009 is being supported by the Province’s Japan Trade and Investment Office. Located in Tokyo, the office promotes British Columbia as a destination for trade and investment, and a leader in research and development, as well as showcasing B.C. products and resources to the Japanese market. B.C.’s Trade and Investment Offices in Seoul and Shanghai are also helping visiting delegations from Korea and China arrange meetings with the British Columbia-based companies at the Canadian Pavilion.

In addition to the B.C. presence at FC Expo 2009, a seminar for leading Japanese and Asian companies, organizations and government officials will be held Feb. 24 at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo to promote Canadian fuel cell innovation and technology. Ballard, QuestAir and Greenlight Innovation will give presentations on their companies’ technology.

British Columbia is home to the world’s first hydrogen capture, collection, distribution and dispensing system, the Integrated Waste Hydrogen Utilization Project. A working hydrogen highway, from Vancouver to Whistler will open in time for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. B.C.’s hydrogen fuel cell industry employs approximately 1,200 employees at 35 organizations.

By 2020, the annual trade gain with the Asia-Pacific is estimated at $76 billion for British Columbia and $230 billion for Canada. The total employment impact is estimated to be 255,000 jobs in British Columbia.

The Province’s participation at the FC Expo 2009 supports the Asia-Pacific Initiative and helps establish British Columbia as Canada’s Pacific Gateway. For more information, please visit www.CanadasPacificGateway.ca.

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Media contact:	Gordon Williams Communications Director 250 952-0152 250 413-7316 (cell)

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