VANCOUVER, July 2 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP)
announced today that together with its partner, IdaTech LLC, it has passed a
product acceptance milestone and confirmed the order of 310 ElectraGen(TM) H2
hydrogen-based units. These units will be used to provide backup power for
wireless telecommunications network equipment to ACME Tele Power Ltd customers
in the Indian market. The units were designed and built around Ballard's
FCgen(TM)-1020 ACS fuel cell stack.
John Sheridan, Ballard's President and Chief Executive Officer said,
"Having our FCgen(TM)-1020 ACS fuel cell product pass product acceptance as
part of IdaTech's ElectraGen(TM) H2 DC generator is a key proof point in our
joint partnership with ACME. This formal acceptance triggers the order of 310
hydrogen units representing around 2MW of total power. Under the terms of the
contract announced in October 2008, an order of natural gas units representing
10,000 units or over 70MW of total power is to follow later in 2009, subject
to product acceptance tests on our new natural gas product."
In support of the future natural gas deployment, Ballard is developing a
new low-cost, reformate-capable FCgen(TM)-1300 fuel cell product. This
technology overcomes distribution challenges presented with hydrogen,
particularly in remote areas in India. In addition, the technology takes
advantage of government subsidies for natural gas, accessing significant
natural gas reserves and leveraging a growing natural gas distribution network
throughout the country.
IdaTech's ElectraGen(TM) NG DC power generator, fueled by natural gas,
will be built incorporating Ballard's new FCgen(TM)-1300 fuel cell. Ballard
plans to begin shipping its FCgen(TM)-1300 fuel cell product in the last
quarter of 2009.
"The news that the ElectraGen(TM) H2 has been accepted by ACME and its
customers is a very exciting development for IdaTech and, we believe for the
industry as a whole. This order further validates the use of fuel cells as a
viable and economic alternative to diesel generators," said Hal Koyama, CEO of
Idatech.
"The performance of the ElectraGen(TM) H2 unit, incorporating Ballard's
FCgen(TM)-1020 ACS fuel cell, passed our acceptance criteria and
expectations," stated Sanjay Dhawan, CEO, ACME Tele Power Ltd. Atul Sabharwal,
Chief Operating Officer, ACME Group, further commented, "We are excited to be
working with both Ballard and IdaTech. The strong performance of the hydrogen
fuel cells is an important operational milestone and demonstrates that we are
on track for the broader deployment of the natural gas fuel cell product to
begin later in the year."
Extended duration backup power for wireless cell phone towers is a
necessity in India, where due to an unstable electrical grid, daily extended
power outages are common. Fuel cells provide extended run times, longer
lifetimes and lower overall maintenance costs over the incumbent diesel
generator and lead acid battery solutions. In addition, fuel cell backup power
systems reduce noise and air emissions along with avoiding disposal issues
associated with lead acid batteries.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) is recognized as a world
leader in the design, development, manufacture and sale of clean energy fuel
cell products. Ballard's mission is to accelerate fuel cell product adoption.
To learn more about what Ballard is doing with Power to Change the World(R),
visit www.ballard.com.
Ballard, the Ballard logo and Power to Change the World are registered
trademarks of Ballard Power Systems Inc.
For further information: or to arrange an interview with a Ballard
spokesperson, please contact Lori Rozali at telephone number (604) 453-3804 or
on e-mail media@ballard.com
