HOBRO, DENMARK – Ballard Power Systems Europe today announced that Telia Company, the fifth largest telecom operator in Europe, has installed a 72 hour Ballard FCgen®-H2PM fuel cell backup power system on the first “Forsterket ekom” site in Tønsberg in Norway. “Forsterket ekom” is a Norwegian project on increased backup power for 72 hours in selected communities. 

The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) is leading the “Forsterket ekom” project and working with operators Telia, Telenor, ICE and Norkring to implement “Forsterket ekom”. The fuel cell solution has been selected for the Tønsberg site by Telia based on the ability to provide 72 hours of backup power with extremely high reliability due to the simple and robust product architecture. Along with the reliability and ability to provide power for long power outages the fuel cell also provides zero emission. The FCgen®-H2PM fuel cell backup power system emissions contain no harmful substances, it is silent in operation, has a long lifetime with low maintenance requirements and will provide significant savings on the operational costs for Telia in the future. 

This first installation has been a proof of concept in a couple of ways, with the installation and pre-commissioning on site completed in one-day job proving the simplicity and flexibility of the system installation. Secondly, the 72 hour backup Site Acceptance Test was performed without any issues and the fuel was easily topped up as planned to be prepared for next operation. 

Jesper Themsen, Ballard Europe, President said, “We have been very pleased with the installation and the site acceptance test results at the “Forsterket ekom” site. We look forward to expanding our work with the Telia Company and Nkom as they evaluate the future regarding additional systems for network hardening. This Norwegian milestone is a positive indicator of the demand, as customers recognize the reliability and other advantages of our products as compared to lead-acid batteries and diesel generators.” 

Telia has been investigating several options to provide 72 hours of backup power in a reliable and robust setup with costs as an important parameter. The fuel cell solution has been selected for the low cost relative to other solutions while the documented reliability and robustness have been mandatory for the decision. 

About Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S 
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S is headquartered in Hobro (Denmark) and the company's activities are focused on three business areas: Backup Power focused on critical infrastructure for IT and telecom industry, Technology Solutions focused on enabling customers to solve technical and business challenges and accelerate their fuel cell programs by delivering customized, high value, bundled technology solutions and Fuel Cell bus service in Europe. The company is recognized as one of the leading players in the commercial application of fuel cell solutions. To learn more please visit www.ballard.com/ballardeurope. 

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product performance, customer benefits and market demand for our products. 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. 

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The Ballard Common Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. 


Further Information: CEO, Jesper Themsen, +45 8843 5500, contact@ballardeurope.com