Next Major Order From The Rail Sector: Ballard Supplies Fuel Cell Systems to Stadler For Passenger Trains in California - Share Price Climbs

Vancouver, Canada - Shortly after the major order for fuel cell systems for trains for use in North American rail freight transportation, Ballard Power Systems has announced the signing of another major order for the rail sector.

This time it is for the supply of fuel cell engines with an output of 8 MW to power trains for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which are to be used for passenger transportation. The customer is the train manufacturer Stadler US. The FCmove®-HD+ fuel cell engines are to be installed in Stadler's product line of zero-emission passenger trains, the FLIRT H2.

The multi-year supply agreement builds on the companies' existing collaboration, which includes the successful integration of Ballard fuel cell engines into the FLIRT H2, the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S. to be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The order supports Caltrans' purchase of 10 FLIRT H2 trains, with an option for an additional 19 trains, to bolster the state's zero-emission passenger transportation options.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Stadler and support their work with Caltrans to decarbonize commuter rail transportation in California. This order grows our footprint in the rail market and validates the value proposition for Ballard fuel cell engines to power passenger rail in regions lacking catenary wire infrastructure,” said Ballard Power CEO Randy MacEwen, welcoming the order.

“The FLIRT H2 train can replace diesel trains on non-electrified or partially electrified lines for emission-free passenger transport avoiding the investment in costly overhead catenary lines electrification would otherwise require,” says Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, pleased with the order.

Ballard Power shares have already risen by 8.6 percent to EUR 1.52 in the past week (closing price, 06.12.2024, Stuttgart Stock Exchange). The share continued its upward trend on yesterday's trading day, gaining 7.9% to EUR 1.64 (closing price, 09.12.2024).

Source: IWR Online, 10 Dec 2024