VANCOUVER, HOBRO, Denmark and VALENCIA, Spain, Feb.
19, 2019 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX:
BLDP) today announced that it is participating through the
company's European subsidiary – Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S –
in the H2PORTS project, which is aimed at facilitating a rapid
transition at European ports from fossil fuels to low-carbon,
zero-emission alternatives based on hydrogen and fuel cells.
Earlier this month participants held the first technical meeting
of the H2PORTS project, which is being coordinated by Valenciaport
Foundation in close collaboration with the Port Authority of
Valencia. The Port of Valencia will be the first port in
Europe to incorporate hydrogen
energy in order to reduce the environmental impact of its
operations.
The H2PORTS project involves three pilot initiatives to bridge
the gap between prototypes and pre-commercial products: (i) a fuel
cell powered Reach Stacker for loading, unloading and transporting
containers; (ii) a fuel cell powered Terminal Tractor for
roll-on/roll-off shipping operations; and (iii) a Mobile Hydrogen
Refuelling Station to support this equipment. The project will also
carry out feasibility studies on the development of a sustainable
hydrogen supply chain, coordinating all stakeholders including
customers, hydrogen producers, and suppliers.
Ballard will provide the company's next-generation fuel cell
module – the FCmove®-HD, which is planned for commercial
launch in mid-2019 – to power the Reach Stacker.
Jesper Themsen, President and CEO of Ballard Power Systems
Europe A/S said, "The H2PORTS project represents one more important
step toward broad-based adoption of zero-emission fuel cell
technology in the marine sector. Ballard is pleased to participate
in this project, which expands our marine-based activities beyond
the announcements we made last year, specifically an MOU with ABB
for the development of megawatt scale systems for ships as well as
our membership in a consortium that will design and build HySeas
III, the world's first sea-going hydrogen-powered car and
passenger ferry."
In addition to the Valenciaport Foundation, the Port Authority
of Valencia, and Ballard Power
Systems Europe A/S, other participants in H2PORTS include the
Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno (National Hydrogen Centre), MSC
Terminal Valencia, the Grimaldi Group, Hyster-Yale, Atena and
Enagás. H2PORTS will entail a total investment of €4 million,
including European funding provided by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen
Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) programme.
There is a significant worldwide focus on emissions reduction in
the marine industry, including ships and ports. Momentum was
reflected in the United Nations International Maritime Organization
(IMO) announcement last year of a strategy to reduce GHG emissions
from ships – including a 50% reduction in GHGs by 2050, compared to
2008 levels, and complete elimination of GHG's as soon as possible
in this century.
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 challenges or address new business
opportunities. To learn more about Ballard, please visit
www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning
planned product deployments, provision of services, market adoption
and demand for our products and available 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.
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.