EVENT:
UC Irvine's National Fuel Cell Research Center will host the 7th annual International Colloquium on Environmentally Preferred Advanced Power Generation (ICEPAG), a four-day event on the cutting-edge fuel cell hybrid and gas turbine technologies that are expected to supply future electricity needs throughout the world with high efficiency and near zero environmental impact. Media will have the opportunity to learn more about this technology as well as hear updates on its use in the United States and throughout the world. Highlights include:

. Sept. 5, 1-5:30 p.m. UCI experts will teach a hybrid fuel cell course to explain the basics of fuel cells and hybrid systems.
. Sept. 6, 8 a.m.-noon. Officials from the United States, Japan, China, Europe, Singapore and Taiwan will discuss fuel cell hybrid and gas turbine technology programs in their countries.
. Sept. 7, 8 a.m.-noon. Participants will discuss emerging markets for these technologies in California, in the military and throughout the world.

Hybrid Tutorial Short Course
WHEN:
1-5:30 p.m. Sept. 5
WHERE:
National Fuel Cell Research Center, UCI campus. Map: www.uci.edu/campusmap

ICEPAG 2006
WHEN:
8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 6-7
8:30 a.m.-noon Sept. 8
WHERE:
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, Newport Beach, Calif.

INFORMATION:
Registration and fee are required for participants. Media must register but can attend free of charge by contacting Jennifer Fitzenberger at 949-824-3969 or jfitzen@uci.edu. For more information, visit www.nfcrc.uci.edu/icepag2006.

BACKGROUND:
With the rising demand for environmentally responsible electric power, officials throughout the world are turning to fuel cell, fuel cell hybrid and hydrogen turbine technologies to meet future needs and to replace conventional technologies. Fuel cell systems are clean, quiet and highly efficient at producing power, whereas hydrogen turbine technology allows for environmentally sensitive power generation from coal. Such technology can be used to generate central and distributed power; provide power for ships, trains and trucks; and produce power on aircraft and spacecraft.

ICEPAG is the only conference that addresses advanced hybrid and hydrogen turbine power generation technology. Event collaborators include the United Nations, the U.S. Department of Energy, the European Union and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Major international research universities will be represented along with the world's key energy companies, including General Electric, Siemens Power Corp., Rolls Royce Corp., Solar Turbines and Fuel Cell Energy.