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Hydrogen Fans Spread The Word

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

PALMETTO - Gas prices are on nearly everyone's mind these days.

And the call for alternative forms of energy has probably never been greater.

Those who consider hydrogen the great hope of alternative fuels say they may have some answers for ridiculous gas prices.

They will converge Tuesday through Nov. 14 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds to generate ideas with fellow hydrogen worshippers and share their knowledge with the public during the first HHO Games & Exposition.

Several Bay area hydrogen gurus are expected to participate.

"We expect some of the most ingenious inventors in the world in developing ways to produce fuel and electricity using hydrogen," said event organizer Joe Shea. "We're expecting several thousand people to attend."

According to the event Web site, there will be a few revelations involving "bold new ideas for gas-saving technology."

It's all about fuel savings and cleaner - even zero - emissions, Shea said.

Hundreds of cars that use gas and hydrogen-injection will be on display.

Shea found his interest in hydrogen years ago when welder Denny Klein of Clearwater unveiled Aquygen, a novel gas made from ordinary water through a patented process. It replaces oxyacetylene for most brazing, soldering and cutting applications, according to his Web site, www.ytechapps.com/aquygen. Aquygen also can be used to fuel hybrid hydrogen-powered cars.

"He drove from Orlando and back on a quart of gas in 1995," supplementing his fuel with hydrogen, Shea said.

Other hydrogen enthusiasts have followed in their own way.

Among the novelties scheduled to appear at the expo is a 20-foot Shamrock boat with a 304-horsepower Ford inboard engine that uses HHO as fuel. Owner Ed Carter plans to travel from North Carolina for the show.

Jim Tarantola, owner of Backyard Builders of Tampa Bay, plans to be there to spread the word on hydrogen generators and recruit unemployed tradesmen interested in learning how to install them.

"I want to break new ground in something that's really important," Tarantola said.

"I've always been playing with alternative energy, wind, solar panels, stuff like that. What I learned was how to take all four elements - wind, earth, water and fire - to get off the electrical grid," Tarantola said.

Other participants are expected from as far away as England and Germany.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: HHO Games & Exposition

WHERE: Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto

WHEN: Nov. 11 to 14, seminars and workshops; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11, main exposition

HOW MUCH: $2 and a canned good for the Manatee County Food Bank; veterans admitted for free

INFORMATION: Joe Shea, (941) 753-1136, or www.hho games.com

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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