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Ballard Fuel Cell Systems Prove 100% Reliable, Providing Backup Power During Hurricane Sandy
VANCOUVER, Nov. 6, 2012, 2012 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ:
BLDP)(TSX: BLD) today announced that, during the difficult
circumstances presented by Hurricane Sandy, the Company's
ElectraGenTM-ME methanol fuel cell systems performed exactly as
designed, providing critical electricity to the Bahamas mobile
telephone network when the storm downed power lines and cut off grid
power.
Ballard's 17 ElectraGenTM-ME systems, installed in the local telecom
network, began operating automatically as grid power was lost when the
storm hit October 25(th). During the 3 days that Hurricane Sandy passed over the Bahamas, each
of the 5 kilowatt systems operated flawlessly as needed to maintain
consistent power. As a group, the 17 systems provided the equivalent of
one month of backup power over a concentrated 7 day period during and
after the storm; producing more than 1,200 kilowatt-hours of
electricity.
Dr. Christopher Guzy, Ballard's Chief Technology Officer said,
"Hurricane Sandy was a devastating event for a great many people. In
times of emergency, backup systems have to be reliable. We are
certainly pleased that our ElectraGen fuel cell systems kept the
communications network up and running for people in the Bahamas when
they most needed it."
The impact of Hurricane Sandy has been a further illustration of the
importance of extended duration backup power capability for
communication networks. For the over 347,000 residents of the Bahamas
dealing with sustained winds of 80mph, up to 6 - 12 inches of rainfall
accumulation and a storm surge 5 to 8 feet above normal ocean levels,
continuous and reliable communications were critical.
In comparison to conventional backup power technologies, such as lead
acid batteries and diesel generators, ElectraGenTM fuel cell systems
ensure high reliability, low maintenance, service continuity over
extended periods, as well as significant environmental benefits. The
ElectraGenTM-ME system includes a fuel reformer that converts
HydroPlusTM, a methanol-water liquid fuel mixture, into hydrogen gas
that is used as a fuel feedstock for the fuel cell system. The only
outputs from the fuel cell system are electrical power, heat and water.
Further information regarding Ballard's comprehensive portfolio of
backup power solutions is available on the Company's website at:http://www.ballard.com/backup_power
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.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the benefits
of our products to customers. These forward-looking statements reflect
Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements
are based on Ballard's assumptions relating to its financial forecasts
and expectations regarding its product development efforts,
manufacturing capacity, and market demand and include the Company's
expectations regarding the potential benefits of the proposed
transaction and the timing and success of future product development
efforts.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including general
economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties,
successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining
profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk
factors that could affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to
Ballard's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place
undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard
assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these
forward looking statements, other than as required under applicable
legislation.
Image with caption: "Ballard's ElectraGenTM-ME system installed in the Bahamas (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121106_C5415_PHOTO_EN_20233.jpg
SOURCE: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2012/06/c5415.html
SOURCE: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Contact: Guy McAree +1.604.412.7919,investors@ballard.com ormedia@ballard.com
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