Fuel cell development gets a boost

Ballard Power Systems has signed an agreement with Victrex USA Inc. to develop and manufacture two proprietary proton-conductive polymers (ionomers) for use in fuel cells. Ballard (Vancouver, BC) is a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells for transportation and power generation.
“This is an important alliance for Ballard as it has the potential to accelerate cost reduction through volume manufacturing of Ballard’s ionomer and through the qualification of Victrex’s low-cost ionomer for use in our fuel cells,” says Kip Smith, president and COO of Ballard.
As ionomer development proceeds to the manufacturing phase, Victrex (West Chester, PA) will build, design and operate separate pilot scale manufacturing facilities for the manufacture of each ionomer.