Ballard, IdaTech in backup power deal

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Ballard Power Systems (NYSE: BLDP) announced today that it signed a contract with Bend, Ore.-based IdaTech (AIM: IDA) to supply fuel cell stacks for IdaTech's next generation backup power systems.

Under the three-year deal, Ballard will provide fuel cell products for integration into IdaTech's ElectraGen, creating 3 kilowatt and 5 kilowatt methanol-fueled backup power solutions.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"This supply agreement for ElectraGen enhances our position as fuel cell supplier of choice in the industry," said John Sheridan, president and CEO of Ballard. "And, integration of our fuel cells into higher power backup power products will help accelerate adoption of fuel cells by wireless telecom service providers."

In March, Ballard made a deal to supply fuel cells for IdaTech's 250 watt iGen power supply product for backup and auxiliary power solutions (see Ballard, IdaTech in fuel cell agreement). Under that deal, also a three-year agreement, Ballard will ship approximately 100 fuel cells in the first year, with the potential for more than 1,000 units over the full term of the agreement.

Ballard said the new ElectraGen system will offer days, rather than hours, of extended runtime capability, and that the system has already been in trials with several wireless telecom companies. Commercial release of the system is scheduled for 2009.

The companies said they believe there is potential for up to 5,000 product shipments over the full term of the ElectraGen agreement.