Ballard Gains Additional Fuel Cell System Traction with Supply Agreement in Africa
· Agreement with Inala Technologies for power generation systems
· Initial 32 systems to be deployed with mobile telecom operator
VANCOUVER - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLD) today announced signing of an equipment supply agreement (ESA), effective through October 2013, with its new African distributor, Inala Technologies (www.inala.co.za). The ESA provides for up to 192 ElectraGen(TM) - ME methanol fuelled power generation systems over its term. A purchase order for the first 32 systems has also been received, with plans for deployment of these systems in the network of a major African mobile telecom operator.
John Sheridan, Ballard's President and CEO said, "This agreement with Inala is another important step forward in capitalizing on our recent transaction, under which we acquired select assets from IdaTech. We are confident in a significant growth market for backup power solutions and our comprehensive product portfolio, now consisting of both hydrogen and methanol fuelled systems, allows us to maximize the opportunity."
The 32 unit purchase order received under the new ESA is for ElectraGen(TM) - ME methanol fuelled power generation systems that will be deployed in a mobile telecom operator network to provide backup power for extended periods in the event of grid failures. The operator has previously installed a number of these same systems to provide reliable and cost-effective backup power capability.
Laurentius Human, CEO of Inala Technologies said, "We are very pleased that fuel cell-powered products are enabling telecom service providers to expand their networks and effectively support high quality communication services for their subscribers. This will ultimately help improve the standard of living for Africans."
Further information regarding Ballard's fuel cell power generator portfolio is available on the Company's website at www.ballard.com/powergenerators.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Products deliver incomparable performance, durability and versatility. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
SOURCE
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
CONTACT: Guy McAree, +1.604.412.7919, media@ballard.com
