Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy, and Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLD; NASDAQ:BLDP), a leading developer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, announced they have been awarded a $2M program by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an advanced prototype PEM fuel cell system to support Defense Continuity of Operations (COOP). Under this program, Plug Power and Ballard will jointly develop a next-generation prototype PEM fuel cell power solution to be used in backup power applications. Plug Power will act as the systems integrator, using a Ballard fuel cell stack for evaluation and potential use in COOP programs for the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.
The project represents the first phase of Plug Power-Ballard collaboration and, if successful, could lead to further development work towards a portable, highly durable, extended-run, zero emission prototype backup power solution for COOP satellite locations. Fuel cell power could help ensure that these locations remain operational, even when other power sources have failed.
“Collaboration among fuel cell developers, systems integrators and governments will accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell technology,” said John Sheridan, Ballard’s Chairman of the Board and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “Supplying Plug Power with our fuel cell stack strongly supports our strategic decision to focus our efforts on fuel cell development, leaving the systems integration to others.”
Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie A. Stabenow (D-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and John D. Dingell (D-MI) from Michigan and Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) along with Congressmen John E. Sweeney (R-NY), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and James T. Walsh (R-NY) from New York, were instrumental in supporting this collaborative project.
www.plugpower.com
www.ballard.com
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