Ballard and Vertiv announce strategic technology partnership to support alternative energy usage for data centers
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) and Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) announced a strategic partnership focused on hydrogen-powered fuel cell backup solutions for data centers. This partnership aims to address the rising power demands and carbon footprint concerns of the data center industry. A proof of concept demonstrated the integration of Ballard's fuel cell modules with Vertiv's Liebert EXL S1 UPS. The system showcased successful zero GHG emissions and scalability from 200kW to several MWs. The partnership also aligns with Vertiv's sustainability strategy and will focus on markets in North America, Europe, and selected other regions.
- Strategic partnership between Ballard and Vertiv for hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions.
- Successful proof of concept demonstrating zero GHG emissions.
- Scalable solutions from 200kW to multiple MWs.
- Integration with Vertiv's existing Liebert EXL S1 UPS and other infrastructure.
- Focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.
- Target markets include North America, Europe, and selected other regions.
- No financial data or expected revenue impact mentioned.
- Initial proof of concept; no large-scale deployments confirmed yet.
- Potential high costs associated with hydrogen storage and infrastructure.
Insights
The partnership between Ballard Power Systems and Vertiv signals a significant advancement in the backup power sector for data centers, particularly through the integration of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions. These fuel cells offer zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is vital as the data center industry continues to grapple with its substantial carbon footprint.
The technical feasibility demonstrated at Vertiv's facility in Ohio showcases the successful integration of Ballard's 200kW fuel cell modules with Vertiv's Liebert® EXL S1 uninterruptible power system. This integration points to a potential shift away from traditional diesel generators, which are noisy, maintenance-intensive and carbon-emitting. The use of hydrogen fuel cells could provide a cleaner and more efficient alternative, reducing the environmental impact significantly.
Hydrogen fuel cells as backup power are particularly appealing due to their rapid dynamic power response, low maintenance requirements and the potential for extended operation periods, limited only by hydrogen storage capacity. This makes them highly scalable and adaptable for both new data centers and retrofits, providing a versatile solution as data centers expand globally.
From a market perspective, the collaboration between Ballard and Vertiv positions both companies to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the data center sector. The strategic focus on North America and Europe, regions with stringent carbon reduction goals, could open up substantial market opportunities.
The data center industry is under increasing pressure to adopt green energy solutions to meet regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals. By offering a zero-emission, scalable backup power solution, Ballard and Vertiv are addressing a critical need. This could accelerate the adoption of their technology, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue growth for both companies.
Overall, the proof-of-concept demonstration and subsequent market introduction of the Power Module H2 solution could enhance Vertiv's positioning as a leader in sustainable power solutions, while Ballard benefits from expanded application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology in a high-demand market.
The strategic partnership between Ballard and Vertiv highlights a potentially lucrative avenue for both companies, particularly as the demand for data centers continues to escalate with the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). Investors should take note of Ballard and Vertiv's progress in creating a commercially viable alternative to traditional backup power systems, which could translate to significant financial growth.
The scalability of the fuel cell power modules from 200kW to multiple MWs is crucial, enabling widespread adoption across data centers of varying sizes. Given the industry's push towards net-zero emissions, this solution aligns well with the long-term sustainability goals of major tech players, potentially leading to substantial contract wins and revenue streams.
However, investors should also consider the costs associated with the initial implementation and scaling of this technology, as well as the availability and infrastructure for hydrogen fuel. While the potential is high, the journey to full market penetration will take time, requiring continuous investment and strategic partnerships.
Collaborating to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions, Vertiv has integrated Ballard fuel cell power modules with Vertiv™ Liebert® EXL S1 uninterruptible power system (UPS) within a successfully demonstrated proof of concept (POC) at Vertiv's facility in
"As the soaring increase in data usage is driving up power demand and expansion of data centre capacity globally, the need to effectively manage electricity consumption and the carbon footprint of this energy-intensive sector is critical to achieve net-zero targets," said Nicolas Pocard, Vice President Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, Ballard. "Ballard and Vertiv's strategic partnership enables both parties to leverage our respective strengths to offer cost-effective, zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuel cell back-up power solutions that are scalable to meet data centres growing power demands."
Based on industry-ready components, Vertiv's demonstrated Power Module H2 solution at their
Initial validations and tests have demonstrated successful operation of zero GHG emission backup power integrated into an uninterruptible power architecture.
"The unprecedented adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) are driving a need for eco-friendly power solutions for our customers, with a focus on zero-carbon and low-carbon energy alternatives," said Viktor Petik, Vice President of Vertiv Infrastructure Solutions. "The successful fuel cell proof-of-concept with Ballard provides a viable option for customers strengthening their data center sustainability strategy, and those moving to a future-ready Bring Your Own Power (BYOP) model."
Vertiv's Power Module H2 is an alternative for meeting escalating energy demands of future data centres and zero GHG emission backup power generation. The prefabricated and factory tested system, provides a rapidly deployable and scalable power infrastructure for new data centres as well as the capability of retrofitting existing sites without redesign of the electrical infrastructure.
With a geographic focus on
- Single-supplied complex power infrastructure
- Zero GHG emission and low noise backup power generation
- Rapid Dynamic power response
- Low maintenance compared to diesel generator backup solutions
- Extended backup (days) – limited only by fuel storage capacity
- Optimized footprint for MW scale applications
- Scalable in multi-MW UPS and Fuel Cell applications
The Vertiv Power Module H2 solution broadens the Vertiv power portfolio and is an innovative contribution to the recently revealed the "One Vertiv, One World" plan, part of Vertiv's responsible business strategy to enable a more sustainable future.
Vertiv and Ballard's teams will demonstrate and discuss fuel cell powered standby power applications for data centers and critical infrastructures at Smarter E Europe 2024,
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems' (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the performance of the Power Module H2 solution, its uses, and customer benefits. 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.
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.
About Vertiv
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers' vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today's data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.
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