(Archived) ATCO Energy Solutions and Praxair Canada Pursue Hydrogen Infrastructure Development

DANBURY, Conn. and CALGARY, AB., January 27, 2009 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) - ATCO Energy Solutions and Praxair Canada Inc. are pursuing the development of hydrogen storage and pipeline infrastructure in Alberta, focusing on opportunities northeast of Edmonton.

The growth in heavy-oil processing in Alberta has created an increased demand for hydrogen. Hydrogen is used to remove sulphur so that the end-product fuels are cleaner-burning and meet environmental standards.

In addition to hydrogen storage, ATCO Energy Solutions and Praxair are assessing an expansion of Praxair’s hydrogen pipeline network in the Alberta Industrial Heartland to support the significant projects planned for the area. Currently, Praxair owns and operates the only existing hydrogen pipeline network in Alberta.

ATCO Energy Solutions provides value added infrastructure and services to both municipal and industrial customers including pipelines, water and wastewater treatment, high voltage industrial systems and hydrocarbon storage, including hydrogen.

“ATCO Energy Solutions, formerly ATCO Utility Services, is continuing to expand its service offerings to industrial customers in Alberta,” said Bob Myles, President. “We believe that the ATCO Group of Companies’ broad experience and strong infrastructure presence positions us well for success.”

Praxair, a leading global hydrogen supplier, operates a 500 kilometre hydrogen pipeline complex — one of the world’s largest — along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Integrated into the complex is the industry’s first and only commercial hydrogen storage cavern, which allows Praxair to meet customers’ planned and unplanned peak demand.

“Praxair is pleased to be working with a quality company like ATCO Energy Solutions,” said Rob Hossack, Managing Director, Praxair Canada. “ATCO Energy Solutions is a partner that can contribute significant knowledge of and experience with underground storage development in Alberta.”

About ATCO
ATCO Energy Solutions is a Canadian Utilities Limited subsidiary company. Canadian Utilities Limited is part of ATCO Group. ATCO Group is an Alberta-based worldwide organization of companies with assets of approximately $8.5 billion and more than 7,800 employees. ATCO Group is comprised of three main business divisions:  Power Generation, Utilities (natural gas and electricity transmission and distribution) and Global Enterprises (industrials, technology, logistics and energy services). More information can be found at www.atco.com.

About Praxair
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2007 sales of $9.4 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a diverse group of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, electronics, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available at www.praxair.com