Ballard Power Systems has announced receipt of a purchase order for 9 of its FCveloCity®-HD 100 kilowatt (kW) fuel cell modules from Anglo American’s platinum business, the world’s largest platinum group metals mining company and a strategic investor in Ballard.
A total of 8 of the FCveloCity®-HD modules will power a retrofitted ultra heavy duty mining truck in a demonstration project during 2020 at one of Anglo American’s mining operations in South Africa (with the final module maintained as a spare). Following this, Anglo American expects to deploy similar trucks, each with megawatt (MW) scale fuel cell power, at other operations around the world.
Rob Campbell, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “This mining truck demonstration with Anglo American is another significant example of fuel cells offering a value proposition in Heavy Duty Motive applications. Mining trucks exhibit all the critical needs addressed by Ballard technology in our key bus, commercial truck, train and marine vessel markets, including: zero-emissions; extended range; rapid refueling; and heavy payload capability. We are very excited to now provide a zero-emission mining solution in support of Anglo America’s environmental and broader sustainability plans.”
Julian Soles, Anglo American’s Head of Technology Development, Mining and Sustainability added: “We have a longstanding commitment as a leader in responsible mining, with numerous examples of our progressive business decisions across many decades. We look forward to working with Ballard to deliver this important step-change technology, which is part of our plan to create a smart energy mix that moves us closer towards our carbon and energy targets for 2030 and, ultimately, our vision of operating a carbon-neutral mine.”