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.