Ballard closes JV deal for fuel cell stack production in China
26 October 2016
Ballard Power Systems has closed its joint venture transaction with Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co. Ltd. (Synergy) for the establishment of an FCvelocity-9SSL fuel cell stack production operation in the City of Yunfu, in China’s Guangdong Province. (Earlier post.) As of closing, Ballard received initial payments totaling $10.9 million.
The fuel cell stacks manufactured by the JV are expected to be used primarily in locally-assembled fuel cell systems to provide propulsion power for zero-emission buses and commercial vehicles in China.
The transaction has an estimated minimum value to Ballard of $170 million over 5-years and includes these key elements:
Ballard is expected to receive $20 million in Technology Solutions revenue for technology transfer services, test equipment, production equipment specification and procurement services, training and commissioning support in relation to the establishment of a production line in Yunfu for the manufacture and assembly of FCvelocity-9SSL fuel cell stacks, with most of this revenue expected to be recognized in 2017;
A joint venture—named Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co., Ltd.—has been registered to undertake the FCvelocity-9SSL fuel cell stack manufacturing operations, with the company owned 90% by Synergy and 10% by Ballard; and
On commissioning of the stack production line, expected in late 2017, Ballard will be the exclusive supplier of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for each fuel cell stack manufactured, with minimum annual MEA volume commitments on a take or pay basis totaling in excess of $150 million over the initial 5-year term, from 2017 to 2021.
After commissioning of the operation, the JV will have an exclusive right to manufacture and sell FCvelocity-9SSL stacks in China. Exclusivity will be subject to certain performance criteria of the joint venture, including compliance with: a code of ethics; Ballard’s quality policies and branding practices; payment terms; and certain intellectual property covenants, as well as achievement of the minimum annual take or pay MEA volumes. Ballard will have the exclusive right to purchase FCvelocity-9SSL fuel cell stacks and sub-components from the joint venture for sale outside China.
Ballard will contribute approximately $1.0 million for its 10% interest in the JV. Under the terms of the agreement, Ballard has the right to appoint one of the three board directors and Ballard’s CEO was appointed to the board of the JV effective as of closing. Ballard has veto rights over certain key decisions and has no further obligation to provide future funding.
Such a small amount for such a large achievement.
Posted by: SJC | 26 October 2016 at 09:47 AM
This is the way Ballard should have gone 10 years ago. Ballard's FCs can be improved and produced at lower cost in China.
The Ballard FC unit is ideal for buses and long haul trucks and can be made smaller and more efficient for light vehicles.
China could install more REs and/or NPPs to produce the required clean H2.
Posted by: HarveyD | 28 October 2016 at 10:05 AM