UCAR Graph-Tech Material a Key Component in Ballard Fuel Cell
19 January 2000
UCAR Graph-Tech Inc. Material a Key Component in Ballard Power Systems Inc. Next Generation Fuel Cell
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Jan. 19, 2000--UCAR International Inc. announced today that UCAR Graph-Tech Inc.'s flexible graphite material is a key component in the next generation Ballard fuel cell stack, the Mark 900, which was unveiled in Detroit, Michigan on January 9, 2000. UCAR Graph-Tech Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of UCAR International Inc."Working with Ballard, we have developed a proprietary product which has contributed to achieving the key objectives and design specifications for flow-field plates in automotive applications. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell will form the foundation for power generation in future transportation applications," stated Mr. Playford, UCAR's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, "The Mark 900 fuel cell stack, which utilizes UCAR Graph-Tech's materials, features a power density increase of almost 30 percent, occupies approximately half the space and weighs 30 percent less than the previous automotive fuel cell."
Kip Smith, Ballard's President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "The architecture of the Mark 900 fuel cell incorporates low-cost materials, provides high performance, utilizes volume-manufacturing processes, and forms the foundation for fuel cells for transportation, stationary and portable applications. Our strategic alliance with UCAR ensures Ballard has a stable supply of high quality flow-field plate material as we prepare for volume manufacturing."
On January 10, 2000 Ford unveiled the TH!NK FC5, a family sized sedan based on the four-door 2000 Ford Focus, as the first prototype vehicle to be shown using Ballard(R) Mark 900 Series Fuel Cell Power Module.
The PEM fuel cell is widely expected to be commercially acceptable as an alternative, environmentally clean, power source to compete with the internal combustion engine for use in the transportation industry. The PEM fuel cell will also offer a competitive alternative for use in stationary, portable power and in other markets.
As previously announced, UCAR Graph-Tech Inc. and Ballard Power Systems have entered into an exclusive product development collaboration agreement and an exclusive long-term supply agreement. During the collaboration period, UCAR and Ballard have agreed to cooperate with each other, exclusively, in the research and development of flow-field plates using flexible graphite. Further, Ballard has agreed that UCAR will be its exclusive supplier of those materials for use in flow-field plates. UCAR expects substantial sales growth beginning in the next few years.
UCAR Graph-Tech produces treated graphite flake and flexible graphite, which it sells under the trade name GRAFOIL(R). Flexible graphite is used in gasket applications for sealing internal combustion engines, pipe flanges and process equipment used in the petrochemical and chemical industry. Flexible graphite is also used in high temperature furnaces and heat dissipation in electronic applications. UCAR Graph-Tech is developing products for a variety of new applications, including products for use in semiconductor manufacturing, fire protection and energy storage as well as in fuel cells.
Ballard Power Systems is the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM) 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 or petroleum) and oxygen (from air) without combustion to generate electricity. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GPU International, ALSTOM and EBARA, to commercialize Ballard fuel cells. Ballard has also supplied fuel cells to General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy and Matsushita Electric Works, among others.
UCAR International Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of high quality graphite and carbon electrodes and cathodes as well as flexible graphite. We sell in over 80 countries and own manufacturing facilities located on four continents. Graphite electrodes, our principal product, are consumed primarily in the production of steel in electric arc furnaces, the steel making technology used by all "mini-mills," and for the refining steel in ladle furnaces. Carbon electrodes are consumed primarily in the production of silicon metal. Cathodes are used in production of aluminum. Flexible graphite is used in gaskets and other sealing purposes, as well as fuel cells. We also manufacture other graphite and carbon products.
NOTE: This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements about such matters as commercialization and commercial acceptability of PEM fuel cells, uses and characteristics of PEM fuel cells, development of flow-field plates and other applications for flexible graphite, development of new flexible graphite products, and growth and future net sales of our flexible graphite business. We have no duty to update such statements. Actual future events and circumstances (including future performance, results and trends) could differ materially from those set forth in these statements due to various factors. These factors include possible delays in or failure to achieve commercialization and commercial acceptance of PEM fuel cells, possible delays in or failure to achieve successful development of next generation flow-field plates, other applications for flexible graphite or new flexible graphite products, possible delays in meeting or failure to meet targeted development objectives and specifications, possible inability to fund and successfully complete expansion of manufacturing capacity to meet growth in demand for our products, if any, changes in global or regional economic and competitive conditions, technological developments, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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