Ballard to provide fuel cell system for hydrogen mining truck project in India

Ballard FCmove fuel cell

PEM fuel cell engine manufacturer Ballard Power Systems is launching a pilot program with Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Ashok Leyland to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation. The truck is scheduled to debut in India this year, and the pilot program will mark Asia’s first planned hydrogen-powered mining truck.

The 55-ton FCET will be equipped with three hydrogen tanks for a 200-km working range. It will be powered by the 120 kW FCmove fuel cell system, manufactured by Ballard. The FCmove platform is based on Ballard’s FCgen-LCS fuel stack and offers a compact, fully integrated and robust solution with low total life cycle cost, the company said.

“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,” said Randy MacEwen, Ballard Power Systems CEO. “Our technology offers a strong value proposition for their heavy-duty mining truck with our zero-emission engines providing long-range, rapid refueling and heavy payload capabilities.”

AEL, the flagship company of the India-based Adani Group, will lead the FCET project given its focus areas on mining operations and developing green hydrogen projects for sourcing, transporting and building out hydrogen-refueling infrastructure. The Adani Group is investing more than $50 billion over the next 10 years in green hydrogen and associated ecosystems, corresponding to a capacity of up to 3 million tons of green hydrogen annually.

“This pioneering and ambitious green hydrogen project holds a strong promise for India’s future energy self-reliance and is consistent with the vision of Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, of accelerating the use of hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology in the commercial transport system,” said Vinay Prakash, AEL director and Adani Natural Resources CEO. “This experience of handling hydrogen as a fuel for commercial fleets not only prepones the advent of hydrogen technology for the mining and logistics sector in the country but will also enable other businesses to opt for long-term sustainable solutions transitioning fleets in ports, airports and in their industrial operations.”

Ashok Leyland, one of the largest bus manufacturers in the world, will provide the vehicle platform and technical support for the FCET. Dr. N. Saravanan, the company’s CTO, said Ashok Leyland is excited to collaborate with AEL and Ballard to bring fuel cell commercial vehicles to the mining and logistics sectors in India.

“With our track record of developing unique and new products, Ballard’s technological expertise in fuel cells and Adani’s unwavering dedication to hydrogen, there is a significant opportunity for India to decarbonize both goods and passenger transportation,” Saravanan said.