In this week’s FuelCellsWorks’ Fallback Friday, we highlight Ballard Power Systems’ announcement of a follow-on order for 60 of its FCmoveTM-HD fuel cell modules from First Mode, a Seattle-based global engineering services firm. These modules will be integrated into zero-emission trucks for use in Australian mines. This move signals continued progress in the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty industries such as mining, demonstrating the role of hydrogen in the transition towards sustainable operations. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage on this development.
VANCOUVER, BC and SEATTLE— Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) and global carbon reduction company First Mode today announced a purchase order for Ballard to supply First Mode with 60 hydrogen fuel cell modules – totaling 6 megawatts – for delivery in 2024.
The order represents an expansion of the relationship, following the order of 35 modules year-to-date in 2023, to power hybrid hydrogen and battery ultra-class mining haul trucks.
“The combination of hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology has proven itself as a viable zero-emission alternative to diesel in mine haulage,” said Julian Soles, CEO at First Mode. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Ballard to help our customers achieve their emission targets without sacrificing performance.”
Ultra-class haul trucks have high payload and energy requirements, while also needing to meet high uptime metrics to maintain existing operating practices. Ballard’s fuel cell modules integrated into First Mode’s nuGen™ solution deliver the duty cycle performance mining operators require.
“We are thrilled to support our partner First Mode as they scale the deployment of their mining haul truck platform,” said David Mucciacciaro, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Amongst our verticals, mining-haul trucks represent one of the most difficult to decarbonize use cases, and therefore one of the most attractive segments for our fuel cell products. We look forward to further demonstrating the value-proposition of our products in heavy-duty applications as additional First Mode vehicles enter service.”
First Mode is working to scale production for the next generation of the nuGen™ solution, including fuel cell and battery powerplant and related infrastructure. First Mode has begun integrating Ballard’s fuel cells from the previously announced orders and will continue to bring an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles to the field with the order announced today. The next several engines will be demonstrated at First Mode’s Proving Grounds in Centralia, Washington, USA starting in 2024.
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, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
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