Ballard Power Systems announced signing of an equipment supply agreement (ESA), effective through October 2013, with its new African distributor, Inala Technologies. The ESA provides for up to 192 ElectraGenTM-ME methanol fuelled power generation systems over its term. A purchase order for the first 32 systems has also been received, with plans for deployment of these systems in the network of a major African mobile telecom operator.
John Sheridan, Ballard's President and CEO said, "This agreement with Inala is another important step forward in capitalizing on our recent transaction, under which we acquired select assets from IdaTech. We are confident in a significant growth market for backup power solutions and our comprehensive product portfolio, now consisting of both hydrogen and methanol fuelled systems, allows us to maximize the opportunity."
The 32 unit purchase order received under the new ESA is for ElectraGenTM-ME methanol fuelled power generation systems that will be deployed in a mobile telecom operator network to provide backup power for extended periods in the event of grid failures. The operator has previously installed a number of these same systems to provide reliable and cost-effective backup power capability.
Laurentius Human, CEO of Inala Technologies said, "We are very pleased that fuel cell-powered products are enabling telecom service providers to expand their networks and effectively support high quality communication services for their subscribers. This will ultimately help improve the standard of living for Africans."