Abstract: The structure of β-LaNi₅H_x is mentioned. Special emphasis is laid on the influence of substitutions with metallic elements on the thermodynamic properties of the rare-earth-nickel hydrogen storage alloys. The models of the heat of hydride formation are studied attentively. The relation between the stability and the heat of formation of intermetallic compounds including with other physical properties is discussed. The relations between hydriding properties and the geometric and electronic structure of the intermetallic compounds are presented.