MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Dec 7, 2006 -- CCNMatthews

 

As announced today by the Canadian Government, Air Liquide Canada, a global leader in industrial and medical gases and related equipment, will be an active participant in the innovative "Hydrogen on the Hill" project.

Industry Canada, Ford Canada, ATFCAN and other Canadian government, non-government and industry partners have introduced three hydrogen-powered shuttle buses, which will operate on Parliament Hill as part of the Senate of Canada's shuttle fleet. This unique pilot project will test these vehicles in real-life conditions.

This is the first time in Canada that Ford buses equipped with hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICEs) will operate in everyday service. In addition to providing expert advice and support, Air Liquide will supply the hydrogen fuel and a hydrogen refuelling station for the buses. Natural Resources Canada's Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance is co-funding the H2 fuelling station, which will be located at NRCan's Booth Street Complex.

Air Liquide Canada's President and COO, Luc Doyon, said, "We are extremely proud to contribute to this important and innovative environmental demonstration project. Air Liquide has a global vision of hydrogen as a principal energy carrier. Our involvement is consistent with our commitment to sustainable development and represents a major step in our strategy to be an active partner in Canada's hydrogen energy supply."

Dave LeBlanc, Air Liquide Canada's Vice President of Process Industries, adds, "Air Liquide is committed to the establishment of the Canadian hydrogen energy infrastructure. We are working closely with our partners in the private and public sectors to move hydrogen energy technologies from the drawing board to the real world."

With over 50 years of expertise in the hydrogen business, Air Liquide is actively developing the entire hydrogen energy supply chain, from producing hydrogen, to making fuel cells, to developing solutions to distribute hydrogen to end-users. Air Liquide's existing hydrogen infrastructure includes the world's longest pipeline network and the installation of hydrogen vehicle refueling stations in Japan, Europe, and now in Canada.

About Air Liquide

Air Liquide Canada, a member of the Air Liquide Group, was established in 1911, and has more than 2000 employees from coast to coast. Visible and active in 72 countries, the Air Liquide Group is a world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Air Liquide Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly evolving technologies. These solutions help our customers to manufacture countless indispensable, everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has more than 36,000 employees worldwide.

SOURCE: Air Liquide Canada Inc.

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