Dr. Kevin Colbow reports

BALLARD INKS AUTOMOTIVE AND NON-AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CONTRACTS

Ballard Power Systems Inc. has signed two new technology solutions contracts, one with Ardica Technologies and one with an unnamed global automotive OEM. Under each contract Ballard will provide expertise in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology in order to advance customer programs through development stages.

"These latest contracts are indicative of the growing interest we are seeing in fuel cell development programs," said Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard's vice-president -- technology solutions. "In addition to the automotive sector, exciting opportunities are also emerging in aerospace, railway and military application areas. For all these, Ballard is uniquely positioned to help customers by means of compelling bundled technology solutions that leverage our deep expertise and also offer the potential for component supply in the longer term."

The new contract with Ardica encompasses a next phase of work in the continuing development program for a wearable fuel cell power system to be used by soldiers. This next work phase will focus on cost reduction along with development of additional manufacturing capabilities, as the Ardica system -- with a Ballard compact-size fuel cell stack -- advances toward the prototype stage and ultimately toward certification for full-scale production and purchase.

It is envisioned that the Ardica wearable fuel cell power system will provide similar or better operating performance than today's wearable lithium-ion battery, while also decreasing weight and volume more than 50 per cent during typical missions of 72-hour duration. This would enable soldiers to power a variety of devices and carry more mission-specific equipment, without limiting mobility.

Ballard's work with Volkswagen Group and two other global automotive OEMs is continuing, augmented by a recent technology solutions transaction with Volkswagen Group -- announced on Feb. 11, 2015 -- that includes a two-year extension to the engineering services program. The contract announced today with a new global automotive OEM customer will involve work activities focused on fundamental fuel cell technology development.

The mandate of Ballard's technology solutions group is to help customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in their PEM fuel cell programs. Ballard delivers this through customized, bundled technology solutions, including world-class, specialized engineering services, access to the company's deep intellectual property (IP) portfolio and know-how, as well as the supply of technology components.

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