Ballard Power (TSX:BLDP) to supply Scotland’s first fuel-cell-powered train

• Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) has signed purchase order to supply Scotland’s first fuel-cell-powered train
• Arcola Energy plans to use Ballard’s FCmove-HD fuel cell modules to power a passenger train
• The demonstration train in Glasgow City would start operating in November, 2021 and contribute to Scotland’s goal for net zero emissions by 2035
• Ballard Power Systems are up 18 per cent and trading at C$43.76 per share

Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) has signed purchase order to supply Scotland’s first fuel-cell-powered train.

Arcola Energy plans to use Ballard’s FCmove-HD fuel cell modules to power a passenger train.

The demonstration train in Glasgow City would start operating in November, 2021 and contribute to Scotland’s goal for net zero emissions by 2035.

A Scottish consortium will convert a Class 314 car passenger train, into a deployment-ready and certified platform for hydrogen-powered train development.

The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway will provide engineering facilities and support for testing and public demonstrations.

“Ballard is delighted to work with Arcola and other consortium members on the development of Scotland’s first fuel cell-powered train. This project is an example of the growing global interest in fuel cells for the medium and heavy-duty motive market, including rail applications, where heavy payload, long range and rapid refueling are key customer requirements,” said Ballard Chief Commercial Officer Rob Campbell.

“Hydrogen traction power offers a safe, reliable and zero-carbon alternative for Scotland’s rail network. The hydrogen train project is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders in hydrogen, rail engineering and safety to collaborate with Scottish and other technology providers to develop a deployment ready solution,” said Arcola CEO Dr. Ben Todd.

Based in Burnaby, British Columbia, Ballard Power’s zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks.

Arcola is a U.K.- based leader in hydrogen and fuel cell integration specializing in zero-emission solutions for heavy-duty vehicles and transport applications.

Shares of Ballard Power Systems are up 18 per cent and trading at C$43.76 per share at 1:30pm EST.