VANCOUVER and TOKYO, April 2,
2018 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP;
TSX: BLDP) today announced that two of its
FCveloCity®-MD 30-kilowatt (kW) modules have been
successfully integrated and tested in a hybrid marine application
by a consortium that includes Yanmar Co. Ltd. ("Yanmar";
https://www.yanmar.com/global/), National Maritime Research
Institute (NMRI; http://www.nmri.go.jp/index_e.html) and Japan Ship
Technology Research Association (JSTRA).
The Ballard 30kW modules were previously provided to Yanmar by
Toyota Tsusho Corporation ("Toyota Tsusho";
www.toyota-tsusho.com/english), a member Company of the Toyota
Group, under its Distribution Agreement with Ballard.
With support from Japan's
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ("MLIT"),
the project – which has been underway since 2015 – has focused on
development of safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel cell-powered
boats below gross tonnage of 20 operating in Japan's restricted coastal waters. For the
test, a hybrid power system was designed using a 60kWh lithium-ion
battery and two Ballard FCveloCity®-MD modules producing
a total of 60kW of power. The system was installed on a 16.5 meter
(55 foot) boat owned by NMRI and successfully tested under maritime
loads and conditions.
Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard Vice President – Technology and Product
Development said, "We are pleased to be providing fuel cell modules
and technical services for this important work with Yanmar in
Japan. This work will support the
development of safety guidelines for fuel cell-powered boats in
Japan. We continue to see an
expanding range of heavy payload transportation applications for
which zero-emission fuel cell electric systems offer a compelling
value proposition, particularly where customers require long range,
fast refueling and full route flexibility."
Yanmar delivers total solutions as an industrial equipment
manufacturer. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar's mission of
"providing sustainable solutions focused on the challenges
customers face, in food production and harnessing power, thereby
enriching people's lives for all our tomorrows," is a testament to
Yanmar's determination to provide "A Sustainable Future".
Ballard and Toyota Tsusho announced a Distribution Agreement in
2016 under which Toyota Tsusho acts as a distributor of
Ballard-powered fuel cell products in Japan. Toyota Tsusho is the Toyota Group's
sole general trading company and is one of the largest trading
companies in Japan.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems
(NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) provides clean energy products that
reduce customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve
difficult technical and business challenges in their fuel cell
programs. To learn more about Ballard, please visit
www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning
prospective business relationships and market developments
including anticipated government subsidies. These forward-looking
statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated
under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any
such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions
relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its
product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market
demand.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including
general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on
third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and
achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion
of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future
performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual
Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on
Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no
obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward
looking statements, other than as required under applicable
legislation.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The Ballard Common
Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any other
jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an
applicable exemption from registration requirements.
SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.