Ballard to power First Mode’s hybrid hydrogen and battery powertrain for ultra-class mining haul trucks (Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
June 1, 2023 [crocon media – msch , mschro] VANCOUVER, BC and SEATTLE, June 1, 2023 – Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP), a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and First Mode, a pioneering carbon reduction company, have announced an expanded partnership that promises to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining industry.
The partnership, which began with an order of 35 hydrogen fuel cell modules in 2023, has been extended with a new purchase order for Ballard to supply an additional 60 modules, totaling 6 megawatts, for delivery in 2024. This expansion signifies a growing confidence in the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology as a zero-emission alternative to diesel in mine haulage.
Julian Soles, CEO at First Mode, expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Ballard, stating, “The combination of hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology has proven itself as a viable zero-emission alternative to diesel in mine haulage. We are excited to continue our partnership with Ballard to help our customers achieve their emission targets without sacrificing performance.”
The nuGen™ solution, developed by First Mode, integrates Ballard’s fuel cell modules to deliver the duty cycle performance mining operators require. This innovative solution addresses the high payload and energy requirements of ultra-class haul trucks, while also meeting high uptime metrics to maintain existing operating practices.
David Mucciacciaro, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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 scaling production for the next generation of the nuGen™ solution, which includes a fuel cell and battery powerplant and related infrastructure. The company has already begun integrating Ballard’s fuel cells from the previously announced orders and plans to continue bringing 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.
This partnership between Ballard Power Systems and First Mode is a testament to the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology in transforming heavy industries and reducing carbon emissions. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, such collaborations are not just beneficial but essential for a sustainable future.
The partnership between Ballard Power Systems and First Mode is a significant step forward in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy industries. It demonstrates the potential of this technology to provide a viable, zero-emission alternative to diesel in applications with high energy and payload requirements, such as mining haul trucks.
Furthermore, the broadening of this alliance underscores the increasing trust in the efficacy and dependability of Ballard’s fuel cell offerings. As a greater number of First Mode vehicles, powered by Ballard’s fuel cells, come into operation, they will offer additional proof of the significant benefits and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology in demanding applications.
This development is particularly timely given the increasing global focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. As a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Ballard Power Systems is well-positioned to play a key role in this transition. The company’s vision of delivering fuel cell power for a sustainable planet aligns closely with the broader societal goals of decarbonization and sustainability.
The partnership with First Mode also highlights Ballard’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. By working with partners across different industries and applications, Ballard is able to leverage its technology to address some of the most challenging and important issues of our time.
In conclusion, the expanded partnership between Ballard Power Systems and First Mode represents a significant milestone in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy industries. It provides a strong indication of the potential of this technology to contribute to the decarbonization of these industries and to the broader transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future.
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.
About First Mode
First Mode is a global carbon reduction company developing creative, clean energy solutions for heavy industry’s toughest problems. We started by removing the diesel engine from a colossal mining truck and replacing it with a hybrid hydrogen and battery powerplant. A world-first, and the world’s largest. But we’re not stopping there. We are also working on providing critical mine site infrastructure for hydrogen production, battery recharging, and hydrogen refueling. Today, we’re starting at the source, the mining industry, and tomorrow the larger supply chain, to completely eliminate the use of dieseland speed the clean energy transition. www.firstmode.com
Read the press release : https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ballard-amp-first-mode-sign-order-for-60-additional-hydrogen-fuel-cell-modules-for-zero-emission-mining-trucks-866635817.html
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