Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.8

                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT

      This Consulting Agreement, made and entered into as of July 28, 1999
between H Power Corp., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of
business at 60 Montgomery Street, Belleville, New Jersey 07109 (the "Company"),
and Norman Rothstein, an individual residing at 311 Links Drive West, Oceanside,
New York 11572 (the "Consultant").

                                 RE C I T A L S:

      WHEREAS, the Company considers it in its best interest and in the best
interest of its stockholders to foster the retention and engagement of key
senior personnel; and

      WHEREAS, for the foregoing reasons the Company desires to retain the
services of the Consultant on the terms and subject to the conditions provided
in this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Consultant desires to accept such engagement by the Company
and to render services to the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions
provided in this Agreement;

      NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Engagement

      The Company hereby agrees to retain the services of the Consultant, and
      the Consultant agrees to be retained by the Company, to render services to
      the Company for the period, at the rate of compensation and upon the other
      terms and conditions, set forth in this Agreement.

2. Term

      The term of the Consultant's engagement under this Agreement (the "Term")
      shall commence on June 1, 1999 and shall continue through and including
      May 31, 2004, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 7, in
      which event the Termination Date as set forth therein shall be deemed the
      end of the Term. If not earlier terminated, the Term shall be
      automatically extended for successive 12-month periods unless either Party
      shall object to any extension, in writing, no later than 90 days prior to
      the first day of such extension.

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

3. Position and Duties

      (a)   Position as Consultant

            The Consultant shall serve as a senior consultant to the Company.
            During his engagement hereunder, the Consultant shall report
            directly to the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The
            Consultant shall be obligated to devote a reasonable amount of his
            business time to the Company in satisfaction of his duties hereunder
            during any Engagement Year (as defined in Section 4(a) below); it
            being understood that the parties contemplate that the Consultant
            shall have other businesses and endeavors and shall not devote all
            or even a substantial amount of his business time to the fulfillment
            of such duties.

      (b)   Duties as Consultant

            During the Term, the Consultant shall, subject to supervision by the
            Board, perform duties consistent with his experience and abilities,
            as may be reasonably and properly assigned to the Consultant by the
            Board. It is contemplated that the Consultant shall render services
            to the Company from his residence and/or from such other location(s)
            as may from time to time be convenient to the Consultant. Upon the
            Consultant's request, the Company shall provide him with an office,
            furnished and equipped in a manner consistent with the position as a
            senior consultant and paid for by the Company, at a location
            reasonably selected by the Consultant.

4. Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses

      (a)   Compensation

            For purposes of this Agreement, each consecutive 12 month period
            during the Term ending on each May 31st (commencing with May 31,
            2000) during the Term shall be referred to as an "Engagement Year."
            For services rendered by the Consultant under this Agreement, the
            Company shall pay to the Consultant during each Engagement Year
            during the Term the following, which shall be considered his "Base
            Compensation": a base salary of $113,100 per year payable in equal
            biweekly installments, commencing with the end of the pay period
            which next follows the commencement of the Term; provided, that such
            base salary shall be adjusted at the beginning of each Engagement
            Year by a factor equal to the current rate of inflation during the
            period from the last such adjustment, or in the case of the first
            adjustment, from the date hereof, as shown by the U.S. Bureau of
            Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and
            Clerical Workers ("Index").

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            Should the U.S. Department of Labor discontinue the publication of
            the Index, or publish same less frequently, or alter same in any
            other manner, then Company may adopt a substitute index or
            substitute procedure which reasonably reflects and monitors consumer
            prices within the United States.

            The Base Compensation shall be subject to customary payroll
            deductions (i.e., for social security, federal, state and local
            taxes and other amounts customarily withheld from the compensation
            of members of the Board and/or employees of the Company).

      (b)   Financial Advisory Bonus

            Except for the Company's initial public offering, arranged for with
            Josephthal & Co., Inc., the Company shall pay to the Consultant and
            the Consultant shall be entitled to receive from the Company, an
            amount or amounts which shall be customary at such time for brokers,
            business opportunity finders, financial intermediaries or persons or
            entities performing similar functions, in connection with any and
            all public and private financings consummated by the Company or any
            of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the Term hereunder and in
            connection with which the Consultant provides assistance, makes any
            introduction or otherwise facilitates such transaction, in each
            case, payable to the Consultant upon the receipt of said gross
            proceeds by the Company. In the event that the Consultant and the
            Company are unable to agree upon the amount of such compensation,
            they shall reasonably agree upon an independent investment banking
            firm to make such determination, which shall be binding upon them.

      (c)   Options

            Nothing herein shall limit or restrict the Consultant's ability to
            participate in the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). On
            the date hereof, the Company hereby grants to the Consultant
            pursuant to the Plan the option (the "Consulting Options") to
            acquire 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a price of
            $15.00 per share (each of such amounts being subject to customary
            anti-dilution adjustments, including in connection with any stock
            split, recombination, reclassification or similar transaction). The
            Initial Option shall have a term of five years from the date hereof,
            irrespective of any termination of this Agreement, and shall be
            fully exercisable and vested from and after the date hereof. The
            Consulting Options may be exercised by cash tender or by tender of
            other options or securities of the Company, upon customary
            conditions relating to a cashless exercise of options.

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

      (d)   Reimbursement of Expenses; Office Equipment

            Consistent with established policies of the Company as in effect
            from time to time for senior executives, consultants and members of
            the Board, the Company shall pay to or reimburse the Consultant for
            all reasonable and actual out-of-pocket expenses, including without
            limitation, travel, hotel, automobile, telephone and cellular
            telephone expenses, computer and data processing expenses and
            similar expenses, incurred by the Consultant in performing his
            obligations under this Agreement. During the term of this Agreement,
            as may be extended, the Company shall furnish the Consultant with,
            or shall reimburse the Consultant for, a vehicle (of comparable
            stature to the make and model of the automobile to which the
            Consultant has been accustomed), as well as insurance costs
            therefor. In addition, the Company shall provide the Consultant with
            reasonable and necessary office furniture, equipment and supplies,
            including without limitation, a desk top computer with a full
            keyboard and 17 inch screen, a laser jet printer, a modem, a
            scanner, tape back-up and uninterrupted power supply equipment, and
            programs required for the Consultant's duties hereunder for his use
            at his residence or at such other location the Consultant may
            select.

5. Benefits

      (a)   Benefit Plans

            The payments provided in Section 4 above are in addition to any
            benefits to which the Consultant may be, or may become, entitled
            under any of the Company's benefit plans or programs for which
            members of the Board or senior executive officers of or consultants
            to the Company are or shall become eligible. During the term the
            Consultant shall be eligible to receive benefits and emoluments
            which are consistent with the benefits and emoluments provided to
            senior executive officers of the Company, and subsequent to the term
            shall be entitled to all health benefits for the life of the
            consultant.

      (b)   Vacation

            The Consultant shall be entitled to reasonable periods of vacation
            and sick time consistent with his role as a senior consultant to the
            Company, during which periods the Company shall not expect the
            Consultant to perform services hereunder.

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

      (c)   No Reduction

            There shall be no material reduction or diminution of the benefits
            provided in this Section 5 during the Term unless (i) the Consultant
            shall have provided his consent to such reduction or diminution or
            (ii) an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or
            alternative benefit or plan) has been made with respect to such
            benefit or plan or (iii) such reduction is part of an
            across-the-board reduction affecting all senior executives of the
            Company.

6. Benefits Payable Upon Disability

      (a)   Disability Benefits

            During any period of Disability (as defined below) occurring during
            the Term, the Company shall continue to pay to the Consultant the
            Base Compensation as provided herein and continue to extend to him
            the benefits described in Sections 4 and 5 hereof; it being
            understood that if disability benefits are provided under any
            disability insurance or similar policy maintained by the Company (or
            maintained by the Consultant, the cost of which is reimbursed or
            paid by the Company), payments under such policy shall be considered
            as payments by the Company and, to the extent received, shall offset
            any Base Compensation payable to the Consultant under this
            Agreement. As used in this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the
            inability (as determined by a majority of the remaining members of
            the Board, other than the Consultant, voting for such determination)
            of the Consultant to render services to the Company, as provided
            herein, as a result of physical or mental infirmity or disability.

      (b)   Services During Disability

            During the Term, notwithstanding any Disability, the Consultant
            shall, to the extent that he is physically and mentally able to do
            so, furnish information, assistance and services to the Company.

7. Termination

      This Agreement shall be terminated in accordance with the provisions of
      this Section 7, in which case the provision of Section 8 below shall be
      applicable.

      (a)   Upon Expiration of the Term

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            This Agreement shall terminate in accordance with Section 2 above.

      (b)   By the Company

            In addition to the provisions of Section 7(a) above, this Agreement
            is subject to earlier termination by the Company, as follows:

            (i)   Death of Consultant

                  If the Consultant dies, this Agreement shall terminate, the
                  Termination Date being the date of the Consultant's death.

            (ii)  Disability

                  If the Consultant is unable to perform his services as
                  required in this Agreement, as a result of his Disability
                  during an Engagement Year, the Company shall have the right to
                  terminate this Agreement as determined by a majority of the
                  remaining members of the Board, other than the Consultant,
                  voting for such determination), the Termination Date being 15
                  days after notice thereof is provided to the Consultant.

            (iii) Termination by the Company for Cause

                  The Company shall have the right to terminate the Consultant's
                  engagement under this Agreement for Cause (as defined below),
                  the Termination Date to be immediately upon notice thereof
                  from the Company to the Consultant. For purposes of this
                  Agreement, "Cause" shall mean the Consultant's (A) conviction
                  of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any felony,
                  (B) misappropriation or embezzlement from the Company, (C)
                  breach during the Term of Sections 10 or 11 below or (D)
                  persistent refusal (after 30 days' prior written notice during
                  which such refusal may be cured by the Consultant) to perform
                  his duties hereunder.

            (iv)  No Termination by the Company Without Cause

                  The Company shall not have the right to terminate the
                  Consultant's engagement hereunder for any reason not
                  specifically set forth in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
                  Section 7(b).

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

      (c)   By The Consultant

            In addition to the provisions of Section 7(a) above, this Agreement
            is subject to earlier termination by the Consultant, as follows:

            (i)   Termination by the Consultant for Just Cause

                  The Consultant shall have the right to terminate his
                  employment under this Agreement upon the occurrence of a
                  material breach of this Agreement by the Company. The
                  Termination Date shall be 15 days after the date of the
                  applicable notice giving rise to a termination, by the
                  Consultant to the Company.

            (ii)  Termination by the Consultant Without just Cause

                  The Consultant shall have the right to terminate the
                  Consultant's employment under this Agreement for any other
                  reason not set forth in clause (i) of this Section 7(c), the
                  Termination Date being 15 days after notice thereof from the
                  Consultant to the Company.

8. Effect of Termination

      The following provisions shall be applicable in the event of the
      termination of this Aareement as provided in Section 7 above.

      (a)   Expiration of Term

            Upon termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 7(a)
            above, this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and
            effect, except as provided in Sections 11, 12 and 13(b) below which
            shall survive such termination.

      (b)   Death

            Upon the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section
            7(b)(i) above, the Company shall pay to the Consultant's estate (i)
            the Base Compensation otherwise payable to the Consultant hereunder
            for the six-month period following the Termination Date, payable
            within 180 days after the Termination Date (but not earlier than any
            recovery of insurance proceeds in respect thereof, as provided
            below), and (ii) any bonus for the Engagement Year in which the
            Termination Date occurs that the Board determines

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            would otherwise have been payable had the Consultant not died, which
            Annual Bonus shall be reduced by prorating it through the
            Termination Date, payable, in the case of this clause (ii), at the
            time such payment would otherwise be due and payable hereunder, and
            (iii) expense reimbursement amounts accrued through the Termination
            Date, at the time such payment would otherwise be due and payable
            thereunder. Neither party shall have any further liability or
            obligation to the other except as provided in Sections 11, 12 and
            13(b) hereunder which shall survive the Termination Date.
            Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (i) and (ii) above, the
            Company shall have the right to provide for either or both of the
            payments described therein by purchasing life insurance on the
            Consultant's life or reimbursing to the Consultant the cost of the
            premiums in respect of such life insurance which may be purchased
            directly by the Consultant if he so elects.

            In the event that the Consultant shall own any employee, director
            and/or consultant stock options as of the Termination Date, all of
            such options which are unvested as of the Termination Date shall
            vest and become exercisable by virtue of any termination under
            Section 7(b)(i) and, notwithstanding the provisions of the Plan
            pursuant to which such options may have been granted, the
            Consultant's estate shall have a period of two years from the
            Termination Date to exercise such options, except that the
            Consulting Options shall have the term provided in Section 4(c)
            above.

      (c)   Disability

            Upon the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section
            7(b)(ii) above, the Company shall pay to the Consultant (i) an
            amount equal to the compensation otherwise payable to the Consultant
            hereunder for the six-month period following the Termination Date
            and (ii) any bonus for the Employment Year in which the Termination
            Date occurs that the Board determines would otherwise have been
            payable had the Consultant not become Disabled, which Annual Bonus
            shall be reduced by prorating it through the Termination Date, in
            each case, payable at the times such payments would otherwise be due
            and payable hereunder and (iii) expense reimbursement amounts
            accrued through the Termination Date, at the time such payment would
            otherwise be due and payable thereunder. Neither party shall have
            any further liability or obligation to the other except as provided
            in Sections 11, 12 and 13(b) hereunder which shall survive the
            Termination Date. Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (i) and
            (ii) above, the Company shall have the right to provide for either
            or both of such payments described therein by purchasing disability
            insurance in respect of the Consultant or reimbursing to the
            Consultant the cost of the premiums in respect of such disability
            insurance which may be purchased directly by the Consultant if he so
            elects. In the event that the Consultant shall own any employee,

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            director and/or consultant stock options as of the Termination Date,
            all of such options which are unvested as of the Termination Date
            shall vest and become exercisable by virtue of any termination under
            Section 7(b)(ii) and, notwithstanding the provisions of the
            Company's Stock Option Plan pursuant to which such options may have
            been granted, the Consultant shall have a period of two years from
            the Termination Date to exercise such options, except that the
            Consulting Options shall have the term provided in Section 4(c)
            above.

      (d)   Termination by the Company For Cause

            Upon the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section
            7(b)(iii) above, the Company shall pay to the Consultant (i) the
            accrued and unpaid Base Compensation, if any, through the
            Termination Date and (ii) expense reimbursement amounts accrued
            through the Termination Date, at the time such payments are
            otherwise due and payable thereunder. Neither party shall have any
            further liability or obligation to the other except as provided in
            Sections 11, 12 and 13(b) hereunder which shall survive the
            Termination Date. No unvested employee, director and/or consultant
            stock options shall vest or become exercisable by virtue of any
            termination under Section 7(b)(iii) and any and all rights thereto
            then possessed by the Consultant shall be terminated and of no
            further force and effect; it being understood that the foregoing
            shall not affect the Consulting Options.

      (e)   Termination by the Consultant for Just Cause

            Upon termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 7(c)(i)
            above, the Company shall pay to the Consultant (i) the Base
            Compensation which would otherwise have been payable hereunder for
            the remainder of the Term had the Agreement not been terminated and,
            (ii) expense reimbursement amounts accrued through the Termination
            Date, in each case, in the case of clause (i) and (ii) above, at the
            time such payments are otherwise due and payable thereunder. Neither
            party shall have any further liability or obligation to the other
            except as provided in Sections 11, 12 and 13(b) hereunder which
            shall survive the Termination Date. All unvested employee, director
            and/or consultant stock options, if any, shall vest and become
            exercisable for their remaining term absent such termination by
            virtue of any termination under Section 7(c)(i).

      (f)   Termination by the Consultant Without Just Cause

            Upon the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section
            7(c)(ii) above, the Company shall pay to the Consultant (i) the
            accrued and unpaid Base Compensation, if

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            any, through the Termination Date, and (ii) expense reimbursement
            amounts accrued through the Termination Date. Neither party shall
            have any further liability or obligation to the other except as
            provided in Sections 11, 12 and 13(b) hereunder which shall survive
            the Termination Date. No unvested employee or directors options
            shall vest or become exercisable by virtue of any termination under
            Section 7(c)(ii) above and any and all rights thereto to such
            unvested options then possessed by the Consultant shall be
            terminated and of no further force and effect; it being understood
            that the foregoing shall not affect the Consulting Options.

9. Federal Income Tax and Other Withholdings

      The Company shall withhold from any benefits payable pursuant to this
      Agreement such federal, state, city or other taxes and other amounts as
      may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or
      governmental regulations or ruling and shall timely pay over to the
      appropriate governmental or other authorities the amount withheld,
      together with any additional amounts required to be paid by the Company in
      respect thereof.

10. Non-Competition and Confidential Information During the Term

      (a)   Non-Competition

            The Consultant covenants and agrees that he will not at any time
            during the Term engage in a business which is on the date hereof or
            during the Term in competition with the business of the Company, or
            solicit the services of any employee of the Company in connection
            therewith.

      (b)   Confidential Information

            The Consultant shall, during the Term hold in a fiduciary capacity
            for the benefit of the Company and its stockholders all secret,
            confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data relating
            to the Company (and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates), which
            shall have been obtained by the Consultant during or by reason of
            his engagement by the Company. During the Term, the Consultant shall
            not, without the prior written consent of the Company, communicate
            or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to any person or
            entity other than the Company (or such applicable subsidiaries or
            affiliates) and those designated by them which would result in any
            misappropriation or improper use hereof, except that, during his
            engagement hereunder, in furtherance of the business and for the
            benefit of the Company, the Consultant may provide confidential
            information as

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            appropriate to attorneys, accountants, financial institutions or
            other persons or entities engaged in business with the Company from
            time to time.

11. Indemnification and Liability Insurance

      (a)   Indemnification

            The Company shall indemnify and hold the Consultant harmless, to the
            fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, against
            any and all expenses, liabilities and losses (including without
            limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements of counsel
            reasonably satisfactory to the Company), incurred or suffered by him
            in connection with his service hereunder, except to the extent of
            the Consultant's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

      (b)   Insurance

            To the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, the
            Company shall maintain for the benefit of the Consultant, a
            directors' and officers' liability insurance policy insuring the
            Consultant's service hereunder and, if the Consultant is a member of
            the Board, as a member thereof, during the Term in accordance with
            its customary practices as in effect from time to time during the
            Term; provided, that all other directors of the Company are also
            covered by such insurance. The parties acknowledge and agree that
            such policy may cover other directors and officers of the Company in
            addition to the Consultant.

12. Registration Rights

      The Company acknowledges that the Consultant and certain of his family
      members, namely his children Steven, Allan and Tammy, and his wife Cynthia
      or trusts for the benefit of such persons or entities owned or controlled
      by such persons (together with the Consultant, the "Holders") are the
      holders in a substantial number of shares of Common Stock of the Company
      (the "Registrable Securities"). In connection with this Agreement and the
      transactions contemplated hereby, the Company desires to grant to the
      Holders certain registration rights relating to the Registrable
      Securities.

      (a)   Demand Registration

            The Holders and the holders under a Consulting Agreement dated the
            date hereof between the Company and Mr. Frederick Entman
            collectively shall have the one-time right at any

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            time from time to time to request registration under the Securities
            Act of 1933 of all or part of their Registrable Securities on Form
            S-1, S-2 or S-3 (if available) or any similar registration (each, a
            "Demand Registration"); provided, that the Company need not effect
            the Demand Registration unless such Demand Registration of all the
            Holders shall include at least 100,000 shares of Common Stock. In
            the event of a Demand Registration, the Company shall use its best
            efforts to file and cause to become effect such registration
            statement and take other appropriate methods to effect such
            distributions of securities, as shall be necessary or appropriate,
            upon customary terms and conditions.

      (b)   Piggyback Registration

            Whenever the Company proposes to register any of its securities
            under the Securities Act (other than in a registration relating to
            sales of securities to participants in a Company dividend
            reinvestment plan, S4, or S-8 or any successor form or in connection
            with an exchange offer or an offering of securities solely to the
            existing stockholders or employees of the Company), the Company will
            give prompt written notice to all Holders of Registrable Securities
            of its intention to effect such a registration and will include in
            such registration (subject to customary underwriters' limitations,
            cut-backs and restrictions, if any, upon written notice from the
            Company's underwriters) all Registrable Securities with respect to
            which the Company has received written requests for inclusion
            therein.

      (c)   Expenses of Registration

            Except as otherwise provided herein, all registration expenses
            incurred in connection with all registrations pursuant to this
            Section 12 shall be borne by the Company; provided, that
            underwriters' or brokers' discounts, fees or selling commissions
            shall be borne by the Holders and not by the Company.

      (d)   Indemnification

            The Company agrees to indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by
            applicable law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, against all
            losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses or any amounts paid
            in settlement of any litigation, investigation or proceeding
            commenced or threatened (collectively, "Claims") to which each such
            indemnified party may become subject under the Securities Act
            (except to the extent based solely on information furnished to the
            Company in writing by such Holder for inclusion in any registration
            statement); the Consultant shall indemnify the Company against any
            claims under the Securities Act

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            resulting solely from information furnished in writing to the
            Company by the Consultant for inclusion in a registration statement
            under which the Holders are selling security holders.

13. General Provisions

      (a)   Assignment

            Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be
            assignable by the Consultant or the Company without the prior
            written consent of the other; provided, that (i) in the event of the
            Consultant's Death during the Term, the Consultant's estate and his
            heir, executors, administrators, legatees and distributees shall
            have the rights and obligations set forth herein, as provided
            herein, and (ii) nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit or
            restrict the Company's ability to merge or consolidate

            or effect any similar transaction with any other entity,
            irrespective of whether the Company is the surviving entity;
            provided, that such surviving entity shall continue to be bound by
            the provisions hereof binding upon the Company.

      (b)   Binding Agreement

            This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of
            the Consultant and the Company and their respective heirs,
            executors, administrators, legatees and distributees, successors and
            permitted assigns.

      (c)   Amendment of Agreement

            This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an
            instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

      (d)   Severability

            If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement is determined to
            be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or lack of
            enforceability shall not affect any other provision of this
            Agreement not so determined to be invalid or unenforceable, and each
            such other provision shall, to the full extent consistent with
            applicable law, continue in full force and effect, irrespective of
            such invalid or unenforceable provision.

      (e)   Effect of Prior Agreements

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                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

            This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties
            hereto respecting the Consultant's engagement by the Company, and
            supersedes any prior agreement between the Company and the
            Consultant relating to the retention of the Consultant as a
            consultant to the Company.

      (f)   Notices

            For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other
            communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing
            and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered, if
            sent by telecopy or by hand, (ii) one business day after sending, if
            sent by reputable overnight courier service, such as Federal
            Express, or (iii) three business days after being mailed, if sent by
            United States certified or registered mail, return receipt
            requested, postage prepaid. Notices shall be sent by one of the
            method described above; provided, that any notice sent by telecopy
            shall also be sent by any other method permitted above. Notices
            shall be sent, if to the Consultant, to Norman Rothstein, 311 Links
            Drive West, Oceanside, New York 11572; and if to the Company to H
            Power Corporation, 60 Montgomery Street, Belleville, New Jersey
            07109; telecopy no. (201) 450-9850, directed to the attention of the
            Board with copies to the Chairman and the Secretary of the Company;
            or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the
            other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of
            change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

      (g)   Counterparts

            This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
            which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together
            shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be
            executed by facsimile transmission.

      (h)   Arbitration

            In the event of a dispute or controversy arising under or in
            connection with this Agreement, the Consultant shall give the
            Company or the Company shall give the Consultant, as applicable, a
            written demand for relief. If the dispute or controversy is not
            resolved, it shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted
            in Essex County, Newark, the State of New Jersey, in accordance with
            the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment shall be
            entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having jurisdiction
            over the parties hereto.

                               Page 14 of 15 Pages
<PAGE>

                                             HP/Rothstein Consultation Agreement

      (i)   Indulgences, Etc.

            Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of either party to
            exercise any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall
            operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
            exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other
            or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power
            or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or
            privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of
            such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other
            occurrence.

      (j)   Headings

            The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely
            for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or
            interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

      (k)   Governing Law

            This Assignment shall be governed by and construed in accordance
            with the internal laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to
            principles of conflicts of laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement, comprised of 15 pages
including this page, to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the
Consultant has signed this Agreement, all as of the date first set forth above.

Consultant:                                H Power Corp.:

/s/ Norman Rothstein                       By: /s/ H. Frank Gibbard
----------------------------------------       --------------------
Norman Rothstein                                                CEO

                               Page 15 of 15 Pages<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.9

                              TERMINATION AGREEMENT

         TERMINATION AGREEMENT, made as of the 5th day of April, 2000, by and
between H POWER CORP., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of
business at 1373 Broad Street, Clifton, New Jersey 07013 (the "Company"), and
Norman Rothstein, an individual residing at 311 Links Drive West, Oceanside,
N.Y. 11572 (the "Consultant").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, the Company and the Consultant are parties to a Consulting
Agreement, dated July 28, 1999 (the "Consulting Agreement"), pursuant to which
the Consultant has provided consulting services to the Company on
corporate-related matters, including the Company's capital raising activities;
and

         WHEREAS, the Company and the Consultant deem it in their respective
best interests to terminate the Consulting Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter
contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

1.       TERMINATION. Effective as of the date hereof, the Consulting Agreement,
and each of the terms, provisions and covenants contained therein, shall
terminate and be of no further force or effect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
option grant and registration rights provisions contained in Sections 4(c) and
12, respectively, of the Consulting Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect.

2.       TERMINATION BENEFITS. Pursuant to this Termination Agreement, the
Company shall provide the Consultant with the following benefits, and no other:

         (a)      a lump sum cash payment of $1,000,000;

         (b)      options to purchase 60,000 shares (the "Options") of the
                  Company's common stock (as same may be adjusted for any stock
                  splits or dividends) at an exercise price per share equal to
                  the IPO price of the Company's common stock;

         (c)      for a period of ten (10) years from the date hereof, health
                  insurance for the Consultant, his spouse and any minor
                  dependents substantially equivalent to the health insurance
                  package currently provided to the Company's executive
                  officers;

<PAGE>

         (d)      the Consultant may retain possession of any computer
                  furniture, hardware and/or software that has been provided by
                  the Company for use at the Consultant's residential offices;

         (e)      the Company shall include all shares of common stock
                  underlying the Options in any Registration Statement on Form
                  S-8 filed by the Company with respect to options granted to
                  the Company's employees or officers, and if such registration
                  statement is not filed within six months prior to the
                  expiration date of the Options, the Company shall amend the
                  underlying option agreement to extend the expiration date of
                  the Options for a period of not less than six (6) months after
                  the effective date of the Registration Statement on Form S-8;
                  and

         (f)      transfer into the Consultant's name, at the Company's expense,
                  the automobile lease currently in place for the Consultant's
                  benefit, with all future lease payments to be the sole
                  responsibility and obligation of the Consultant.

3.       RELEASE OF CLAIMS

         (a)      In consideration of the benefits offered herein, Consultant
                  hereby agrees to release and discharge the Company, and the
                  Company's officers, directors, employees, and agents
                  (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all
                  claims, causes of action and demands of every kind, arising at
                  law or in equity, which Consultant has or ever had against any
                  of them, arising up to and including the date Consultant signs
                  this Termination Agreement, including, but not limited to
                  claims arising out of the Consulting Agreement, Consultant's
                  relationship with the Company or the termination thereof under
                  any contract, tort, federal, state or local fair employment
                  practices or civil rights law including, but not limited to,
                  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the
                  Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act,
                  the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers
                  Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income
                  Security Act of 1974, the New Jersey Law Against
                  Discrimination, or any claim for physical or emotional
                  distress or injuries, or any other duty or obligation of any
                  kind or description. This release shall apply to all known,
                  unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated claims, liens, injuries
                  and damages including, but not limited to, claims of
                  employment discrimination, indemnity or discharge, or claims
                  sounding in tort or in contract, express or implied as of the
                  date of the execution of this Termination Agreement. Except to
                  enforce the provisions of this Termination Agreement,
                  Consultant agrees not to initiate any legal action, charge or
                  complaint seeking to recover damages against any of the
                  Released Parties relating to the matters covered or
                  contemplated by this Termination Agreement or that is based on
                  events that took place prior to the date of execution hereof
                  or claims existing as of the date of execution hereof. In the
                  event Consultant asserts any such actions, charges or
                  complaints in the future, Consultant agrees that the Company,
                  in addition to any other remedies available at law or in
                  equity, shall be entitled to recover its costs and the
                  attorneys fees incurred by one or more of the Released Parties
                  in defending such action, charge or complaint. This
                  Termination

                                       2
<PAGE>

                  Agreement shall not affect Consultant's rights and obligations
                  under the terms of any pension or 401k plan.

         (b)      The Company hereby agrees to release and discharge Consultant
                  from any and all claims, causes of action and demands of every
                  kind, arising at law or in equity, whether known or unknown,
                  which the Company has, ever had had, and ever in the future
                  may have against Consultant, arising up to and including the
                  date the Company signs this Termination Agreement, provided
                  that with respect to Consultant's actions as a director of the
                  Company the foregoing release shall not apply to any claims
                  arising from or related to (i) any breach of Consultant's duty
                  of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (ii) acts or
                  omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
                  misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) section
                  174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) any
                  transaction from which the Consultant derived an improper
                  personal benefit. Except to enforce the provisions of this
                  Termination Agreement or as otherwise provided herein, the
                  Company agrees not to initiate any legal action, charge or
                  complaint seeking to recover damages against Consultant
                  relating to the matters covered or contemplated by this
                  Termination Agreement or that is based on events that took
                  place prior to the date of execution hereof or claims existing
                  as of the date of execution hereof. In the event the Company
                  asserts any such actions, charges or complaints in the future,
                  Consultant agrees that the Company, in addition to any other
                  remedies available at law or in equity, shall be entitled to
                  recover its costs and the attorneys fees incurred by
                  Consultant in defending such action, charge or complaint.

         (c)      Consultant hereby acknowledges that he has been provided an
                  opportunity to consult with an attorney or other advisor of
                  his choice regarding the terms of this Termination Agreement,
                  that he has been given 45 days in which to consider whether he
                  wishes to enter into this Termination Agreement, and that he
                  has elected to enter this Termination Agreement knowingly and
                  voluntarily. Consultant further acknowledges that he may
                  revoke his assent to this Agreement within seven days of its
                  execution by Consultant. If Consultant wishes to revoke his
                  agreement, he must notify William L. Zang within the seven day
                  revocation period. The voluntary payments to be provided
                  hereunder will be held in escrow by Fulbright & Jaworski
                  L.L.P., counsel to the Company, and will be released upon
                  expiration of the revocation period.

4.       COOPERATION AND INDEMNIFICATION

         (a)      Consultant agrees to reasonably cooperate and assist in the
                  defense of all actions or proceedings brought against the
                  Company. The Company will reimburse Consultant for all related
                  and customary out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith
                  and will pay Consultant reasonable per diem compensation.

         (b)      The Company acknowledges that the execution of this
                  Termination Agreement is not intended to modify or alter any
                  corporate indemnification rights which Consultant may have as
                  an officer, director, employee or agent of the Company

                                       3
<PAGE>

                  pursuant to the Company's organizational documents, by-laws,
                  resolutions or other corporate instruments or by-law. In
                  addition, the Company shall indemnify Consultant if Consultant
                  is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any
                  action, suit or proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
                  administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that
                  Consultant is or was a director, officer , employee or agent
                  of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the
                  Company, against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
                  judgment, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and
                  reasonable incurred by Consultant in connection with such
                  action, suit or proceeding if Consultant acted in good faith
                  and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
                  the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any
                  criminal action or proceedings, had no reasonable cause to
                  believe his conduct was unlawful.

5.       MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

         (a)      This Termination Agreement shall not be amended or modified
                  except by a written instrument signed by the Company and the
                  Consultant.

         (b)      Any and all other previous or contemporaneous agreements,
                  understandings, representations and statements, oral or
                  written, between the parties relating to consulting or other
                  services provided by the Consultant are hereby superceded and
                  shall be of no further force or effect.

         (c)      This Termination Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
                  each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any
                  party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall
                  together constitute one and the same agreement. This
                  Termination Agreement shall become binding when one or more
                  counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall
                  bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as
                  the signatories.

         (d)      This Termination Agreement shall be governed by and construed
                  in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey,
                  without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

         (e)      This Termination Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be
                  enforceable by, and bind the parties hereto and their
                  respective successors and assigns. Except as specifically set
                  forth or referred to herein, nothing herein expressed or
                  implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or
                  give to any person other than the parties hereto and their
                  successors or assigns any rights or remedies under or by
                  reason of this Termination Agreement.

                                       4
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Termination Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                                    H POWER CORP.

                                                    By: /s/ H. Frank Gibbard
                                                      -------------------------
                                                         H. Frank Gibbard
                                                         Chief Executive Officer

                                                    /s/ Norman Rothstein
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    Norman Rothstein
                                                    Consultant

                                       5

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