The next workshop in the Energy Roadmap Workshop series sponsored by West Virginia University and the West Virginia Development Office will focus on West Virginias role in the coming hydrogen economy. The event will be held at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, W.Va., with registration opening at 8:45 a.m. for the 9:45 a.m. opening session. The public is welcome.

While the hydrogen economy may be down the road yet, we in West Virginia need to think now about how we want to position ourselves for the future,said Trina Wafle, associate director of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) at WVU and one of the event organizers.In fact, there are some near term opportunities to get us started now.

Along with the state Development Office, co-sponsors include the NRCCE and the College of Business and Economics at WVU , with partial funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Mid-Atlantic Region Office in Philadelphia.

While hydrogen is the earths most abundant element, it does not exist in its pure form in nature. It must be extracted from other sources such as water, coal or natural gas.

Hydrogen can power our transportation as well as provide electricity. West Virginias coal will provide the means for supplying that hydrogen,said Jeff Herholdt, manager of energy programs at the state Development Office and workshop co-organizer.New technologies show promise in being able to capture emissions while producing hydrogen, which would protect the environment.

In addition, advanced materials, fuel cells and other hydrogen-related products may create opportunities to build on West Virginias strengths in the chemical, gas and manufacturing industries, organizers said.

Top experts will present information about hydrogen production, potential markets and applications. Participants will learn about federal funding opportunities and early stage venture capital. Keynote presentations by U.S. DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Rita A. Bajura and U.S. DOE Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Ellen Lutz are featured as the first and last talks of the half-day educational session. Participants will join small groups to brainstorm possible activities that the state could undertake to move the hydrogen agenda forward.

Cost for the workshop is $35 in advance, $45 at the door.

Details and registration are available at http://www.WVEnergyRoadmapWorkshops.org .