IdaTech, Ballard in major India contract with ACME U S-based IdaTech has signed a supply agreement with the ACME Group, a leading provider of passive infrastructure solutions to wireless telecom players in India and beyond, for up to 30 000 of its 5 kW hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems to be delivered by March 2013. The minimum order under the deal is for 10 000 systems for delivery during 2009-2010, with the potential for two further orders of 10 000 units each for delivery between 2011 and 2013.
The agreement is a three-way contract between IdaTech, ACME and Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems. The deal will see IdaTech supply ACME with fuel cell systems running on reformed natural gas which will incorporate PEM fuel cell stacks supplied by Ballard. It is subject to IdaTech and Ballard demonstrating certain design and performance criteria for the systems ahead of full deployment in early 2010.
ACME intends to deploy the systems throughout its key markets in India, principally as longduration backup power for base stations of its telecom customers. The systems will provide these customers with a more economic, reliable and environmentally acceptable product. In addition, ACME will act as IdaTech's exclusive distributor for 5 kW fuel cell systems in India.
Under the agreement, IdaTech is to deliver an initial 310 hydrogen fuel cell systems in 2009, 9690 natural gas systems in 2010, and the possibility of a further 20 000 natural gas systems for delivery between 2011 and 2013.
IdaTech and ACME intend to establish a manufacturing facility in India, through a joint venture, to produce the systems to be delivered under the agreement. IdaTech also anticipates using this production facility as an additional platform for low-cost manufacturing of fuel cell systems. The company will use its experience gained in establishing its flexible low-cost production facility in Tijuana, Mexico to set up this Indian facility, for which it will be the majority owner. The Oregonbased firm will continue to produce systems at its Mexican facility for other customers.