Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Massive Mining Trucks
Ballard Power Systems and First Mode have announced that First
Mode has placed a purchase order for 30 hydrogen fuel cell modules, totaling 3
MW, from Ballard. The modules will be used to power hybrid hydrogen and battery
ultra-class mining haul trucks. Each of these fuel cell modules will
immediately reduce diesel fuel use, helping to move the mining industry closer
to decarbonization, according to Julian Soles, CEO of First Mode.
The hydrogen fuel cell modules will be integrated into clean
energy powerplants built by First Mode in Seattle, Washington, and installed
into ultra-class haul trucks to be operated at First Mode’s Proving Grounds in
Centralia, Washington. These trucks are estimated to save 2,600 tons of diesel
fuel each year, demonstrating a viable pathway to decarbonize mining trucks by
using Ballard's leading hydrogen fuel cells.
David Mucciacciaro, Ballard’s chief commercial officer, said
that the mining industry is responsible for up to 7% of the world’s carbon
emissions, and roughly half of these emissions come from mobile diesel
applications, including haul trucks. The collaboration between Ballard and
First Mode demonstrates the opportunities ahead for fuel cell commercialization
in hard-to-abate sectors.
First Mode is working to scale production
for the next generation of clean energy powerplants. In January, the company
entered into a global supply agreement with Anglo American to retrofit over 400
ultra-class haul trucks with First Mode's nuGen technology, including fuel cell
and battery powerplant and related infrastructure. The Ballard fuel cells will
be integrated into the next several powerplants built by First Mode, further
showcasing the potential for fuel cells in the mining industry's efforts to
reduce carbon emissions.
