VANCOUVER, BC, April 20, 2021 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems
(NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced that it is a member of
the Hydra Consortium – together with Mining3, a leading research
organization in the global mining industry and ENGIE, a global
player in low-carbon energy and services. The Hydra Consortium will
enable heavy-duty mining mobile equipment to run on renewable
hydrogen, displacing diesel and decarbonizing the mining sector.
Ballard will provide zero-emission fuel cell systems that run on
hydrogen, to power mining equipment.
![Example of mining truck to be fuel cell-powered under the Hydra Consortium (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.) Example of mining truck to be fuel cell-powered under the Hydra Consortium (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1491227/Ballard_Power_Systems_Inc__Ballard_Announces_Membership_in_Hydra.jpg)
The Hydra Consortium is now actively working to validate the
business case for a hydrogen fuel cell-based powertrain in
heavy-duty mobility within the mining sector. To achieve the target
of displacing diesel, several workstreams will be executed,
including the design, manufacturing and testing of a 200-kilowatt
fuel cell plus battery powertrain prototype operating under mining
conditions (altitude, dust, temperature, etc.). The fuel cell will
use renewable hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity and power a
mining vehicle, with the battery allowing for regenerative braking
and also providing peak power.
Test outcomes will provide valuable information to optimize the
overarching design that could replace a traditional diesel
powertrain. In addition, the project will support government
entities by establishing safety protocols for hydrogen used at
scale within the mining industry. Ultimately, it will be determined
whether Consortium members could consider a scale-up of the
solution.
In August 2020, the Chilean
Economic Development Agency (CORFO) was the first to support this
project, by awarding CLP252 million
(equivalent to EUR 280,000) in
government funding to Mining3 in partnership with CSIRO Chile.
Since then, Mitsui & Co. (USA) Inc. and Thiess, both active in
the mining sector, have provided additional support as part of
their commitment to develop sustainable solutions for decarbonizing
the resources industry. Also, several technology companies, in
addition to Ballard, are contributing within their areas of
expertise: Hexagon Purus will supply hydrogen storage systems; and
Reborn Electric Motors will complete the systems integration.
"We are looking forward to working with project participants to
develop this important transformative solution for the mining
industry, as well as opening doors to new applications and
processes necessary for a carbon neutral future", stated Mining3
CEO, Professor Paul Lever.
"We are pleased to be part of this powerful collaboration that
brings the vast expertise of its members to decarbonize the mining
industry", said Michele Azalbert, CEO of ENGIE's Hydrogen Business
Unit. "Renewable hydrogen can provide the flexibility that the
mining sector needs. Beyond the obvious advantage of being
emissions-free, hydrogen solutions offer an economically viable
alternative to fossil fuels, while ensuring the operational
performance of mining operations."
Randy MacEwen, President and CEO
of Ballard Power Systems added, "We are excited to be partnering
with the Hydra Consortium on this ground-breaking pilot project
targeting zero-emission fuel cell mining vehicles. The mining
industry is responsible for significant emissions, with diesel
trucks being a key contributor. To limit global warming to
2-degrees, the mining industry must reduce direct emissions by
40%-to-70% by 2050. We believe hydrogen-powered fuel cell engines
offer the only viable pathway to decarbonize heavy off-highway
vehicles in mining, construction and agriculture, with an
addressable market of 4.5 million vehicles representing an
aggregate of 500 gigawatts of power, and where heavy payload
capability and fast refueling are 'must-have' requirements. Our
vision for the mining industry includes large, centralized fleets
of ultra-heavy mining vehicles with fuel cell engines powered by
hydrogen produced by onsite solar energy at mining sites."
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems' (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to
deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard
zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of
mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine
vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks. To learn more about
Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the
benefits and anticipated market adoption of fuel cell products.
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.
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.