The order, revealed today (June 1), follows up from an order of 35 modules in the past year-to-date in 2023.

Read more: Ballard to power diesel-free mining trucks with hydrogen fuel cells

 Set to be integrated into First Mode’s nuGen™ solution to deliver high payload and energy requirements as well as high uptime to meet existing mining practices, the Ballard fuel cells will make up part of a diesel-free powertrain.

First Mode says it is working to scale the production its nuGen solution, having already started the integration of the previously announced Ballard orders.

“The combination of hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology has proven itself as a viable zero-emission alternative to diesel in mine haulage,” said Julian Soles, CEO of First Mode. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Ballard to help our customers achieve their emissions targets without sacrificing performance.”

The US-based company has said the next engines will be demonstrated at its Proving Grounds in Centralia, Washington from 2024.

David Mucciacciaro, Chief Commercial Officer at Ballard, added “Amongst our verticals, mining haul trucks represent one of the most difficult to decarbonise use cases, and therefore one of the most attractive segments for our fuel cell products. We look forward to further demonstrating the value proposition of our products in heavy-duty applications as additional First Mode vehicles enter service.”

Earlier this month (May 2023), First Mode, in partnership with Anglo American completed one full year of operational trials of what it says is the world’s ‘largest’ zero-emission haul truck, powered by fuel cells.

Mining: An opportunity to break ground on hydrogen mobility?

 

2022 saw a real shift in momentum behind hydrogen as a key decarbonisation tool for hard-to-abate sectors. With attention from both industry, governments, and the general public alike looking to mobility as a sector to have its emissions tackled by the energy carrier, the wheels look to be in motion.

Despite the numerous deployments of trucks and buses, as well as renderings of flashy cars, one truly notable moment come in the form of something a somewhat larger. In May (2022), global mining giant Anglo American unveiled its prototype of what it said was the ‘world’s largest’ hydrogen-powered mine haulage truck.

The 2MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck is said to be able to generate more power than its diesel predecessor, and capable of carrying a payload of up to 290 tonnes. Forming part of the company’s nuGen™ Zero Emission Haulage Solutions (ZEHS), offering a ‘fully integrated’ green hydrogen production, fuelling, and haulage system, the truck left its mark on the industry.

Tony O’Neill, Technical Director at Anglo American, said, “We are incredibly proud of what our team, working with expert partners, has achieved in under three years. This is truly a world-class innovation and bears testament to our technical vision and determination to deliver a cleaner and smarter future for mining.

“It is these game-changing innovations that are exactly why we began our FutureSmart Mining™ journey in 2014, knowing how much of a difference we can make, including in the energy transition and across our societal footprint.”

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