(Archived) Praxair to Demonstrate Two Hydrogen Fueling Systems for Canadian Fuel Cells Applications

DANBURY, Conn., November 19, 2004 — Praxair Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) will demonstrate the company’s hydrogen-supply systems for backup power fuel cells in two different pilot applications. Praxair is actively designing advanced ProStar™ Platinum gas-delivery systems to meet the needs of this emerging marketplace, making hydrogen use safer for both indoor and outdoor applications. These demonstrations have received support from the Government of Canada through investment from the h2 Early Adopters (h2EA) program.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. The primary use of fuel cells in these demonstrations is to provide a backup power source for various critical applications in need of uninterrupted power supply. Examples include a backup power source for a telecommunications site operated by Bell Canada and a backup power source for server room applications at the University of Toronto at Mississauga. Praxair’s hydrogen is provided in high-pressure cylinders, and the advanced delivery systems are designed to allow the safe transfer of the gas to the fuel cells.

The h2EA program will fund CDN $2 million ($1.6 million) of the CDN $4 million ($3.2 million) project with the balance of funding to be provided by the participants. The projects involve demonstrating Ballard^® fuel cell technology for uninterruptible power supply and backup power applications for the power generation market. Ballard Power Systems will lead the program with the support and participation of Praxair Canada, MGE UPS SYSTEMS, Bell Canada, Emerson Network Power Canada, and the University of Toronto at Mississauga. These pilot applications of hydrogen fuel cell technology are a step toward development of the necessary codes and standards to commercialize fuel cell technology.

Praxair has worked with a variety of private and governmental entities on the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology and the advancement of a hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The company holds associate memberships with the California Fuel Cell Partnership, the National Hydrogen Association and has contributed in the development of codes and standards by the Compressed Gas Association and the National Fire Protection Association in advancing hydrogen safety systems and technologies. In late October, Praxair and BP dedicated a prototype retail-friendly hydrogen-fueling station at the Los Angeles International Airport, which will fuel the airport’s fleet of utility vehicles. Praxair has decades of experience in safely producing and distributing hydrogen and in designing hydrogen systems for its customers. The company has used this expertise in several development projects with key customers including BP, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler in support of further development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Praxair also supplies cylinder gases to automakers such as Toyota for automotive emissions research.

Ballard Power Systems is recognized as a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Ballard is commercializing fuel cells for transportation applications and fuel cell systems for portable and stationary products.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2003 sales of $5.6 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technology bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, semiconductor materials, steel, chemicals and refining, metal fabrication, water treatment, glass and others. For more information, visit Praxair on the Internet at www.praxair.com.