The objective of the project is the development of investigations directed toward fabrication of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials possessing a high hydrogen capacity and fast kinetics of hydrogen absorption and desorption. The research activity includes: 1. Detailed investigation of kinetics and mechanisms of hydriding and dehydriding reactions of magnesium with the aim to select the most sensitive stages to be controlled. 2. Investigation of the mechanical alloying of magnesium with different salt additives (including transition metal salts) and their influence on hydriding properties of the material obtained. 3. Investigation of the joint action of salt and metal catalysts on the hydriding properties of magnesium. 4. Search for other additives capable to modify the magnesium surface and affect the nucleation conditions of magnesium hydride. 5. Development of mechanochemical methods of preparing fine composites of magnesium with different catalytic and modifying additions. 6. More detailed investigation of synthesis and hydriding properties of hydrogen absorbing intermetallic compound in magnesium-cobalt system. 7. Carrying out a prospective work on the mechanical alloying of unusual compositions with a view to looking for new phases with good hydriding properties. The data obtained as a result of fulfillment of this project are believed to facilitate the understanding of the mechanism of hydrogen interaction with various types of magnesium-based composites and phases prepared by means of mechanical alloying. On the base of this knowledge we will be able to make recommendations for fabrication hydrogen absorbing material possessing an enhanced hydrogen capacity and fast kinetics under relatively mild P-T conditions. The hydrogen capacity at a level close to 6 wt.% is believed to be realistic achievement of this project.