NextEnergy Center Supports President's Plan for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research

                Michigan's new program poised to assist growth
                      in Alternative Energy Development

    DETROIT, Jan. 30 -- NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy
research, development and education program strongly supports President Bush's
proposal to increase research and development of hydrogen fuel cells and the
infrastructure needed to fuel them.
    Fuel cell vehicles and power generation equipment will rely on hydrogen
reforming, tanking and refueling.  "Getting to the goal will require an
intense research effort," said Steve Arwood, NextEnergy's COO.  "The
president's remarks and early details on this program are an important boost
to the alternative energy industry."
    NextEnergy is confident that Michigan manufacturers and institutions will
be leading innovators of this new industry.  NextEnergy recently issued a call
for proposals to Michigan colleges and universities for the development of
education curriculum focusing on alternative energy.  Industry growth will
cause a demand for engineers and technically trained individuals.
NextEnergy's goal is to have Michigan institutions awarding degrees and
technical certifications by 2005.
    NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded in October 2002.  It is
located in the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park and has
been designated an Alternative Energy Renaissance Zone by the City of Detroit
and offers up to 20-year state and local tax exemptions for companies that
locate and perform alternative energy research, development and manufacturing.
    NextEnergy dedicated the site for its new 40,000 square-foot facility in
December of 2002.  The facility will incorporate the latest technology in the
building's electrical, and heating and cooling systems.  The facility's power
grid will include the use of fuel cells, advanced internal combustion engines,
Stirling Engines, as well as Photovoltaics and advanced solar systems.  The
building will also house laboratory, education facilities, product
demonstration areas, office space and interactive space for public
understanding of alternative energy.
    For more information please visit http://www.nextenergy.org .