Ballard Completes Prototype Stationary Fuel Cell Power Generator

    VANCOUVER, B.C.--July 31, 2001--Ballard Power Systems announced today that its subsidiary Ballard Generation Systems has completed the construction and commenced in-house testing of its 10-kilowatt natural gas fuelled engineering prototype stationary fuel cell power generator.
    The 10-kilowatt unit is being designed for backup, light industrial and standby applications for telecom and other value added applications.
    "The completion of the 10-kilowatt natural gas fuelled engineering prototype marks the achievement of one of the stationary power goals we set out for 2001," said Jim Kirsch, President of Ballard Generation Systems. "We feel there is significant market potential for standby fuel cell powered products in this size range. The completion of this engineering prototype is the first major milestone on the road to commercialization of this product family."
    The unit is planned to undergo extensive in-house testing throughout the remainder of 2001 leading to the development of the next generation of this product.
    Ballard Generation Systems was formed to commercialize PEM fuel cell stationary power generators that use the BALLARD(R) fuel cell.

    Ballard Power Systems is recognised as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells for use in transportation, electricity generation and portable power products. Ballard Power Systems' proprietary fuel cell technology is enabling automobile, electrical equipment and portable power product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. The fundamental component of these end-user products is the BALLARD(R) fuel cell that combines hydrogen (which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, petroleum or renewable sources) and oxygen (from air) without combustion to generate electricity. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GPU, ALSTOM and EBARA, to commercialise BALLARD(R) fuel cells. Ballard has also supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy, Coleman Powermate and Matsushita Electric Works, among others.
    Ballard's Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "BLD" and on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol "BLDP". Ballard, the Ballard logo and Power to Change the World are registered trademarks of Ballard Power Systems Inc.