Element 1 Corp. and Ballard Power Systems Collaborate on Revolutionary Hydrogen Power Solutions

Rhea-AI Summary

Element 1 Corp has partnered with Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) to advance sustainable hydrogen energy solutions. Their collaboration successfully linked Ballard’s FCwave™ 200-kW fuel cell module with Element 1’s M/L18 hydrogen generator, producing 235 kg of high-purity hydrogen daily at a pressure range of 0.7 to 2.2 barg. This outcome, achieved through software modifications, allows the FCwave™ to function without hardware changes. Element 1’s generator uses a methanol-water mix, lowering hydrogen production costs and eliminating the need for compressed or liquid hydrogen infrastructure. This innovation promises operational cost savings and reduced carbon intensity if renewable methanol is used.

Positive

• Successful integration of Ballard’s FCwave™ 200-kW fuel cell module with Element 1’s M/L18 generator.
• The hydrogen produced meets ISO 14687-2019 standards for PEM fuel cells.
• Software modifications enable high-quality hydrogen production without hardware changes.
• Methanol-water mix lowers production costs compared to compressed or liquid hydrogen.
• Elimination of infrastructure and transportation challenges associated with compressed and liquid hydrogen.
• Potential for reduced carbon intensity with the use of renewable methanol.
• Immediate operational cost savings through simple software upgrades.

Negative

• Low-pressure hydrogen production might limit certain high-pressure applications.
• Dependence on methanol, which may fluctuate in price and availability.

Insights

Tech Expert

The collaboration between Element 1 Corp and Ballard Power Systems represents a significant advancement in hydrogen generation technology. By integrating Element 1’s M/L18 hydrogen generator with Ballard’s FCwave™ fuel cell module, they have managed to produce high-purity hydrogen at lower pressures without changing hardware—only through software adjustments. This is notable because it demonstrates a cost-effective and efficient method to generate hydrogen, potentially accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-powered solutions. The simplicity of integrating a software solution to achieve such results could lead to rapid deployment across existing FCwave™ installations, offering immediate operational savings and enhanced efficiency.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, this partnership and its technological breakthrough could have a positive impact on both companies involved. Element 1 Corp’s ability to produce hydrogen on-demand at the point of use using a methanol/water mix presents a cost advantage over traditional compressed or liquid hydrogen. This can reduce infrastructure and transportation costs, which are significant expenses in the hydrogen industry. For Ballard Power Systems, the ability to offer a software solution to existing fuel cells to achieve better performance and cost savings could enhance their market position and drive revenue growth from software upgrades and new sales.

Market Research Analyst

In terms of market dynamics, this joint effort could influence the adoption rate of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The use of methanol/water as a feedstock and the elimination of complex infrastructure requirements for handling compressed hydrogen address two major pain points in the sector: distribution and cost. Additionally, the compatibility with ISO 14687-2019 standards for PEM fuel cells ensures the quality and reliability of the hydrogen produced, making it attractive for various applications including transportation and stationary power. The market could see a shift towards more sustainable and cost-efficient hydrogen solutions, potentially boosting both companies' positions in the growing hydrogen economy.

BEND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Element 1 Corp, a pioneer in on-demand hydrogen generation technology, and Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP), have joined forces to accelerate the adoption of sustainable hydrogen energy solutions. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to revolutionize the way we generate and utilize hydrogen for various applications.

Specifically, the joint effort successfully paired Ballard’s FCwave™ 200-kW fuel cell module with Element 1’s M/L18 hydrogen generator (235 kg hydrogen per day), producing high-purity hydrogen in the range of 0.7 to 2.2 barg. This is a major breakthrough, since the typical FCwave™ hydrogen supply pressure range is 3.5 to 6.5 barg. This low-pressure result was achieved with Ballard-developed software modifications to the operation of the FCwave™; no hardware modifications were implemented.

Element 1’s generators produce hydrogen that meets ISO 14687-2019 standards for PEM fuel cells. Using a feedstock comprising methanol mixed with water, the M/L18 hydrogen generator produces hydrogen on demand and at the point of use for a fraction of the cost of compressed or liquid hydrogen. Additionally, the infrastructure and transportation challenges associated with handling compressed and liquid hydrogen are eliminated with methanol/water mix that may be handled, shipped, and stored using the same infrastructure developed over decades for handling other liquid fuels.

Dave Edlund, co-founder and CEO of Element 1 Corp, said, “With a simple software upgrade, any deployed FCwave™ may be coupled to an M/L18 hydrogen generator to achieve immediate savings on operational costs. And if renewable methanol is used, the carbon intensity of the resulting electrical power will be very low.”

About Element 1 Corp

Element 1 Corp. (Bend, Oregon) is a leading developer of advanced hydrogen generation systems supporting the fuel cell industry. Element 1 has developed innovative products that are scalable, reliable, affordable, and provide flexibility allowing for easy integration into customer solutions. With expertise in small-scale reactor design and membrane-based hydrogen purifiers, Element 1 offers solutions for on-site hydrogen generation, grid-independent electrical power generation to support BEV charging and microgrid applications, and mobile (onboard) hydrogen generation (fuel cell electric vehicles). Novel technology is licensed by Element 1 to its partners, enabling the application of technologies across a wide range of products, markets, and applications. For further information please visit www.e1na.com.

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 the electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529678952/en/

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dave Edlund, Co-Founder and CEO, Element 1 Corp; Phone: (541) 678-0005 Email: dave@e1na.com

Kate (Charlton) Igbalode, VP Corporate Finance & Strategy, Ballard Power Systems; +1.604.453.3939, investors@ballard.com

Source: Element 1 Corp.

FAQ

What is the new collaboration between Element 1 Corp and Ballard Power Systems about?

Element 1 Corp and Ballard Power Systems have collaborated to pair Ballard’s FCwave™ 200-kW fuel cell module with Element 1’s M/L18 hydrogen generator to produce high-purity hydrogen efficiently.

What is the significance of the FCwave™ 200-kW fuel cell module and M/L18 hydrogen generator integration?

The integration produces 235 kg of high-purity hydrogen daily at a lower pressure range, achieved through software modifications without hardware changes.

What benefits does the methanol-water mix provide in hydrogen production?

The methanol-water mix reduces hydrogen production costs and eliminates the need for complex infrastructure and transportation associated with compressed or liquid hydrogen.

How does the collaboration between Element 1 Corp and Ballard Power Systems affect operational costs?

The collaboration allows for immediate operational cost savings through simple software upgrades, enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production.

What standards does the hydrogen produced by Element 1’s M/L18 generator meet?

The hydrogen produced meets the ISO 14687-2019 standards for PEM fuel cells.

What potential environmental benefit does the use of renewable methanol offer?

Using renewable methanol can significantly reduce the carbon intensity of the resulting electrical power.