Ballard Power Systems (
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ACME is a provider of green energy solutions for wireless telecommunications, cold chain systems, alternative energy, wastewater treatment and environmental impact solutions. IdaTech is a company involved in the development and manufacturing of clean and reliable Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell solutions for telecommunications, commercial and industrial backup power from 250W to 15kW.
A fuel cell produces electricity from fuel and an oxidant which react in the presence of an electrolyte. Electrical power generated this way causes nil pollution thereby contributing to a green world.
Under the terms of this latest agreement, Ballard will supply net 5kW natural gas fuel cell products which will be used primarily for telecom backup power applications in India.
The company planned to sell approximately 1,000 units in 2009 and 9,000 units in 2010, subject to meeting product design and acceptance specifications.
"This high volume, binding agreement represents a big step forward for Ballard and the broader fuel cell sector. The ten-thousand unit volume will enable significant cost reductions and this new low cost, natural gas fuel cell product will be an important enabler for the acceleration of product adoption in other stationary power markets," said, John Sheridan (
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ACME has been allowed to sell and use Ballard's fuel cells for stationary power applications in the Indian subcontinent and for telecom backup power applications in the Middle East and Africa (excluding South Africa) until the middle of 2011. To manufacture and assemble this system in India, ACME and IdaTech will enter into an agreement to form a joint venture.
The agreement also provides an option of extending the period from 2011 to 2012, subject to additional binding orders by ACME for at least 10,000 units per year, said the company.
Atul Sabharwal, chief operating officer at the ACME Group, said that Fuel cell backup power systems are an excellent and reliable solution to telecom service providers as they allow operators to reduce downtime and also substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions thereby contributing to global warming.
"These agreements are a testament to the value of sound partnerships," added Hal Koyama, IdaTech's chief executive officer.
Jai C.S. is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jai's articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Michelle Robart
