Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Solutions for Hydrogen Valleys

Hydrogen Valleys, an initiative lead by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, is a driver in realizing sustainable hydrogen hubs across the European continent and scaling up the local hydrogen economy.

Successful delivery of a Hydrogen Valley eco-system requires collaboration between government, local authorities and industry partners. As a partner, Ballard’s focus is to bring its proven commercial experience to the projects to ensure long term, viable solutions that can realize the full green and economic potential of the Valleys and their communities.

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership's map of cluster projects that fulfill the criteria for a Hydrogen Valley. 

Today, Ballard is the fuel cell partner in two key Valley projects in Southern and Northern Europe and is actively engaged in upcoming projects, bringing our fuel cell expertise to key sectors such as road transport, marine and port operations, rail, construction and stationary power generation applications.

We support regions, cities, operators, and government bodies in the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology, offering proven experience in navigating the hydrogen landscape. This can also be scaled up to provide extensive hydrogen and fuel cell project support for public authorities. Ballard has a wide network of European fuel and component suppliers, OEMs and technology integrators as well as research partners that can be proactively leveraged to accelerate the realization of new projects. We also deliver operational, strategic and technical expertise – and work with clients and customers to support program focus, parameters and scope. 

Ballard's fuel cell solutions are designed to deliver superior performance at reduced operating cost. Our proven experience in hydrogen power offers implementation-ready potential for a wide range of applications across bus, truck, marine, rail and stationary markets – as Ballard fuel cell modules are now powering vehicles and vessels worldwide.

Ballard has more than 40 years of experience in hydrogen and fuel cell technology development and our strong European footprint includes established product development, manufacturing and service facilities in Denmark and the UK, with supporting locations in Germany and Norway, employing over 250 staff.

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s CO₂ emissions and the bus industry has been a frontrunner in the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and their operation. In 2022, zero-emission buses accounted for 12.7% of new bus registrations in the European Union, with the uptake growing year-on-year, as several countries have committed to 100% zero-emission bus procurement by 2030.

Ballard-powered hydrogen fuel cell buses operate in over 25 cities in Europe and have shown immediate and significant impact to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

With their longer range (>250km), fast fuelling time (less than 10 minutes) and reliable operation - proven over 150 million km globally - fuel cell buses are often seen as a “no compromise” option for zero-emission buses. Fuel cell buses can be accommodated in existing depot operation and be part of a regional transport hub.

Customer case studies: 

Europe is the second largest truck market in the world, with more than 270,000 new heavy-duty trucks sold in 2022, presenting tremendous potential for decarbonization and meeting net zero targets.

Hydrogen can power light-, mid- and heavy-duty trucks for the transport of goods regionally and long-haul. Fuel cell heavy-duty trucks, up to 44t, benefit from powerful performance, high torque and low vibration, and importantly, no compromise in payload. Long range and fast refueling, comparable to diesel, helps operators maintain high asset utilization.

Effective zero-emission applications for lighter trucks include back-to-base delivery services and last-mile deliveries where fuel cell trucks can reduce emissions in urban areas considerably.

Customer case studies: 

With ambitious zero-emission targets, rail is shifting its rolling stock and infrastructure to low carbon solutions.

Fuel cell power offers both rail passenger and freight services an efficient solution on non-electrified routes or where a transitional zero-emission solution is needed. Fuel cells are powerful – comparable to diesel – and offer significantly longer range and faster refueling than its electrical counterpart.

Hydrogen trains are now in service on city and intercity routes in Europe and China, and on demanding long distance freight routes in North America.

Customer case studies: 

Sectors depending on a stable and constant power supply, can use powerful and scalable fuel stationary power solutions for back-up of as a main power source. As hydrogen can be used to store electricity when the grid is challenged or capacity is low, it is a sustainable and scalable solution for energy providers to supply continuous power, balance the grid over long durations, and provide zero-emission power to their customers.

Fuel cells are a competitive and sustainable solution to deliver grid-independent local power generation providing back-up power to data centers, health care, and critical infrastructure networks applications including shore power and electric vehicle charging. 

Customer case studies: 

Ballard support regions, cities, operators, and government bodies in the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology, offering proven experience in navigating the hydrogen landscape. This can also be scaled up to provide extensive hydrogen and fuel cell project support for public authorities. We have a wide network of European fuel and component suppliers, OEMs, and technology integrators as well as research partners that can be proactively leveraged to accelerate the realisation of new projects. We also deliver operational, strategic, and technical expertise – and work with clients and customers to support their hydrogen development plans.

Ballard News

• Blog: Fuel cell power for Europe's net zero economy  
• Blog: #PoweredByBallard: New Urbino 18 hydrogen bus is ready to transform zero-emission public transport in European cities  
• Blog: Hydrogen fuel cells powering the future of public transport 
• Blog: Partnering to accelerate the adoption of fuel cell power for trucks
• Blog: World's biggest hydrogen truck inspires Anglo American's Hydrogen Challenge Program with South African students
• Blog: #PoweredByBallard: The first hydrogen-powered vessels set sail
• Blog: Hydrogen fuel cells for zero emission cold ironing
• Blog: The world's first type approved fuel  cell engine powering the next generation of zero-emission vessels
• Blog: #PoweredByBallard: PESA's new hydrogen fuel cell locomotive 

Hydrogen Valley Information 

• Clean Hydrogen Partnership Newsroom 
• Hydrogen Europe Newsroom
• European Clean Hydrogen Alliance 
• Clean Energy Ministerial’s Hydrogen Initiative