Global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, Vertiv, has announced its partnership with PEM fuel cell market leader Ballard Power Systems, focused on backup power applications for data centers and critical infrastructures, scalable from 200kW to multiple MWs.
The collaboration aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions. Vertiv has successfully integrated Ballard fuel cell power modules with the Vertiv™ Liebert® EXL S1 uninterruptible power system (UPS) in a proof of concept (POC) at its Ohio facility.
Nicolas Pocard, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Ballard, stated, “As the soaring increase in data usage is driving up power demand and expansion of data center capacity globally, the need to effectively manage electricity consumption and the carbon footprint of this energy-intensive sector is critical to achieve net-zero targets. Ballard and Vertiv’s strategic partnership enables both parties to leverage our respective strengths to offer cost-effective, zero Green House Gas (GHG) emission fuel cell back-up power solutions that are scalable to meet data centers growing power demands.”
Vertiv’s demonstrated Power Module H2 solution at their Delaware, Ohio facility integrates two Ballard PowerGen 200kW fuel cell cabinets, powering a fully functional decarbonized backup system. The solution includes a cooling subsystem, power conditioning equipment, and hydrogen storage infrastructure integrated with Vertiv™ HPL Lithium-Ion batteries, the Liebert® EXL S1 UPS system, and the Vertiv™ DynaFlex Energy Management Controller. This Power Module H2 is part of a 1 MW microgrid solution at the Vertiv Customer Experience Center, which includes a 1MW AC Solar PV array and the Vertiv™ DynaFlex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Initial validations and tests have shown successful operation of zero GHG emission backup power within an uninterruptible power architecture.
Viktor Petik, the Vice President, Infrastructure Solutions at Vertiv, noted, “The unprecedented adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) are driving a need for eco-friendly power solutions for our customers, with a focus on zero-carbon and low-carbon energy alternatives. The successful fuel cell proof-of-concept with Ballard provides a viable option for customers strengthening their data center sustainability strategy, and those moving to a future-ready Bring Your Own Power (BYOP) model.”
The Vertiv Power Module H2 offers a rapidly deployable and scalable power infrastructure for new data centers and the capability to retrofit existing sites without redesigning the electrical infrastructure. Focused on North America, Europe, and selected other regions, the solution provides zero GHG emission and low noise backup power generation, rapid dynamic power response, low maintenance compared to diesel generators, extended backup limited only by fuel storage capacity, and an optimized footprint for MW scale applications. This innovative solution is part of Vertiv’s “One Vertiv, One World” plan, contributing to the company’s strategy for a more sustainable future.
