VANCOUVER and CALGARY, May 7,
2019 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX:
BLDP) today announced that it will provide next-generation
FCmove®-HD fuel cell modules – utilizing Ballard's LCS
technology – to power 2 tractor-trailer trucks as part of an
industry-lead C$15 million
(US$11.2 million) Alberta
Zero-Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)
project. The AZETEC project will test the ability of hydrogen to
fuel the Province of Alberta's
heavy duty freight transportation sector and is seen as a first
step in exploring a potential made-in-Alberta hydrogen economy.
Ballard will provide a total of 6 FCmove®-HD fuel
cell modules – each generating 70 kilowatts (kW) of power – with 3
modules to be installed in each truck. These modules will utilize
Ballard's LCS technology, planned for commercial availability in
2019.
The AZETEC project will help ensure the continuation of a
timely, efficient and cost-effective supply chain of goods,
transported by 64-tonne B-train tractor-trailers carrying very
large freight loads over long distances. The project will test
hydrogen as a zero-emissions alternative fuel to diesel, along with
the refueling infrastructure and other systems that would be
required for Alberta to implement
this new fuel solution. The 3-year project also will investigate
the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
airborne pollutants in Alberta's
freight transportation sector.
Freight transportation accounts for almost 70% of diesel fuel
demand in Alberta and contributes
about 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) per year in the
Province. The AZETEC project is scheduled to run until mid-2022 and
will involve the design and manufacture of two heavy duty, extended
range, hydrogen fuel cell electric hybrid trucks that will move
freight year-round between the cities of Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.
The 64 tonne (gross vehicle weight) B-train tractor-trailers,
developed for Alberta's unique
operating environment, will be capable of traveling up to 430 miles
(700 km) between refuelings and will be operated by Alberta trucking companies Trimac
Transportation and Bison Transport. By the end of the project the
trucks will have travelled more than 300,000 miles (500,000 km) and
carried about 12 million tonne-miles (20 million tonne-km) of
freight.
Rob Campbell, Ballard Chief
Commercial Officer said, "The tractor-trailer trucks being used in
the AZETEC project are the first Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles – or
FCEVs – of this size and capacity to be built and tested anywhere
globally. We are delighted to expand Ballard's participation in
FCEV truck trials across a growing range of sizes and classes, as
we demonstrate the compelling value proposition that fuel cells
offer for Heavy and Medium Duty Motive applications requiring long
range, rapid refueling, heavy payloads and route flexibility."
The AZETEC project builds on more than a year's worth of
research, data analysis and scenario modelling done by the Canadian
Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR) Initiative. In addition to
Ballard, other project participants will include: Zen Clean Energy
Solutions, project manager; Dana Inc., global leader in heavy duty
electric drive axles; Nordresa, Quebec-based electric drive train
manufacturer; Freightliner/Daimler, manufacturer of truck bodies;
Air Products and Praxair, hydrogen manufacturers; and Hydrogen
Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC), hydrogen solutions and
infrastructure provider.
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is contributing more than
C$7.3 million (US$5.4 million) to the AZETEC project, which is
led by the Alberta Motor Transportation Association. ERA is
providing the funding through its competitive BEST Challenge
program, which targets technologies that demonstrate the potential
to reduce GHG emissions in Alberta
and secure the Province's success in a lower-carbon economy.
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
anticipated development results and impacts on our 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.
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.