Ballard Power Systems has signed an agreement to launch a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation with Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL).
Ballard says that the collaboration marks Asia's first planned hydrogen-powered mining truck. The demonstration project will be led by AEL, a company focused on both mining operations and developing green hydrogen projects for sourcing, transporting, and building out hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Ballard will supply the FCmove fuel cell engine for the hydrogen truck and Ashok Leyland will provide the vehicle platform and technical support. The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023.
The Adani Group plans to invest more than USD $50 billion over the next ten years in green hydrogen and associated ecosystems corresponding to a capacity of up to three million tons of green hydrogen annually.
The hydrogen-powered mining truck will weigh 55 tons, have three hydrogen tanks, a 200-km working range, and be powered by Ballard's 120 kW PEM fuel cell technology.
"After signing a memorandum of understanding with the Adani Group last year, we are eager to move our partnership forward and welcome the chance to cooperate with cutting-edge businesses like Adani," says Randy MacEwen, CEO of Ballard Power Systems. "Our technology offers a strong value proposition for their heavy-duty mining truck with our zero emission engines providing long range, rapid refuelling and heavy payload capabilities."
