Hydrogen Engine Center Names Chairman of HEC Canada Board of Directors

ALGONA, Iowa, Jan. 20, 2009 — Hydrogen Engine Center Inc., (OTC BB: HYEG) (the “Company,” “HEC”) developer, manufacturer and distributor of turn-key alternative-fuel energy solutions for the industrial and power generation markets, today announced that Jan Rowinski accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors for HEC Canada. The appointment comes as a result of Ted Hollinger’s resignation from all Board of Director positions within HEC and is effective immediately.

Rowinski has been a member of the Canadian Board of Directors since May 2008 as successor to the late Dr. Tapan Bose. In July 2008, Rowinski was appointed to the HEC Iowa Board of Directors.

Rowinski is an experienced executive and serial entrepreneur, with broad-based U.S., Canadian and international experience. He is the co-founder and managing partner of Bay Stream Ventures, a corporate development and management consulting firm specializing in business development, corporate strategy, M&A, financing, and performance improvement.

He is also the co-founder of GPS Latitude, a provider of security solutions and tracking for mobile assets. Rowinski also co-founded and led high-tech companies in a wide range of markets. He served as a lecturer/chairman in numerous conferences regarding technology and mobile/wireless computing. He is also a member of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA). He holds an MBA degree from McGill University, B.Sc. in mathematics, and electrical engineering (DEC).

Rowinski stated, “I am honored to be involved with HEC Canada. The HEC Canada team is about to embark on significant projects that could revolutionize the manner in which alternate fuel engines and generators are utilized for continuous clean power generation and the replacement of industrial fossil fuel engines.”

David McManamy, chairman of the Board of Directors for HEC Iowa and HEC Nevada remarked, “Both the Board of Directors and management of HEC have found Jan to be a well-informed, loyal and reliable counsel. His involvement and activities in Canada position him to provide valuable counsel to the company and to the constituencies he serves in Canada. We believe this will be a long-term successful relationship.”

Mike Schiltz, acting president of HEC, added to McManamy’s comments by stating, “Mr. Rowinski’s involvement as chairman of HEC Canada’s Board of Directors is a significant asset to the entire HEC corporation. His expertise in business and technical applications provides depth to our team and support to our numerous ongoing projects in Canada.”