Ballard Power Systems Announces Cost Reduction Plan and Disruptive Manufacturing Technology for Next-Gen Graphite Bipolar Plates

[Preston, United Kingdom , crocon media , msch , June 12 , 2023] — Ballard Power Systems, a leading provider of zero-emission PEM fuel cells, has unveiled its ambitious plan to significantly reduce costs and expand production capacity for next-generation graphite bipolar plates. This strategic move includes the introduction of disruptive manufacturing technology that aims to revolutionize the fuel cell industry.

The announcement comes as a natural progression following Ballard’s successful completion of two critical milestones: the development of thin flexible graphite bipolar plates and the expansion of its membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturing capacity in Canada. As part of Ballard’s ongoing “3 by 3” stack cost reduction program, this project focuses on addressing the substantial cost associated with bipolar plates, which is the second-largest expense after MEAs in a fuel cell stack.

By implementing advanced plate manufacturing processes and incorporating new, lower-cost material suppliers, Ballard anticipates cost savings of up to 70%. These savings are expected to be realized following the commissioning of the project, which is slated for late 2025.

Ballard’s next-generation thin flexible graphite bipolar plates are designed to significantly reduce material usage while enabling high power density stacks. This feature is particularly critical for heavy-duty mobility applications where durability, reusability, and power density are paramount. Furthermore, graphite bipolar plates offer the added benefit of being the most cost-effective option at current and scaled volumes.

Beyond the cost savings associated with this project, Ballard’s plate manufacturing capacity is expected to increase approximately tenfold. This growth will be accompanied by improvements in graphite and resin material yield, as well as reduced production time. The company has also developed innovative manufacturing processes that enable full automation of bipolar plate production, resulting in enhanced quality throughput, reduced energy consumption, and the elimination of water usage. These advancements are poised to be replicated in any future expansion of Ballard’s global bipolar plate production footprint.

Mark Biznek, Chief Operating Officer of Ballard, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the economic and environmental value it brings. In addition to reducing costs and improving customer economics, the project aligns with Ballard’s commitment to sustainable practices by significantly reducing energy, water, and material resources.

Lee Sweetland, Vice President of Transformational Projects, emphasized the positive impact of the company’s previous cost reduction efforts and their contribution to the development of flexible graphite technology. By investing further in next-gen manufacturing processes, Ballard anticipates an additional 70% cost reduction for its proprietary bipolar plates, aligning with the US Department of Energy’s target of $5/kW for the bipolar plate.

Ballard plans to invest approximately $18 million in bipolar plate manufacturing from 2023 through 2025. The expected spending for this project in 2023 was already accounted for in Ballard’s capital allocation plan and does not affect the company’s planned capital expenditure for the year.

As a leader in fuel cell technology, Ballard Power Systems continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. With its cost reduction plan and disruptive manufacturing technology, the company is poised to strengthen its position in the market and advance the adoption of fuel cells for a more sustainable future.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Please conduct thorough research and consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.

Read the original press release : https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ballard-announces-plan-to-scale-production-amp-reduce-costs-of-next-generation-bipolar-plates-856089473.html?fbclid=IwAR0rlLUMjPyUkfI4s1JYYbncvC1k5dujL7RpWwTs4L-GYbtRMptv9tFmMqU

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Disclaimer
This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are advised to refer to Ballard Power Systems’ most recent Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of potential risk factors that could impact the company’s future performance.

All transactions are carried out by SiLLC, a private portfolio management assembly. This document is not an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. This document contains general information only and is not intended to provide general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and targets are not guaranteed. Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current expectations, current market and economic conditions, estimates, projections, opinions, and beliefs of SiLLC and/or its members. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to SiLLC’s advisory activities relate to The SiLLC Assembly International.

Arcario’s Q1 2023 Report: A Promising Future and Strategic Growth on the Horizon

June 13, 2023 — [crocon media – msch] Based on the Q1 2023 report, the future looks promising for Arcario AB. Here are some key points:

  1. Strategic Trajectory and Growth: Arcario is poised for growth and innovation, with a substantial portfolio potential. They are assessing several prospects aligned with their strategic trajectory and are eager to embrace the possibilities of the web3 space. As the digital assets industry continues to grow, Arcario is not only well-positioned to participate but also to shape the evolution of the industry as a key player. They have new initiatives and strategies such as their incubation program and ‘double-down’ strategy, which are set to accelerate growth and solidify their position in the industry.
  2. K33’s Progress: The first quarter for K33, a subsidiary of Arcario, was one of strategic reformation as they prioritized the enhancement of their core services. This led to promising returns and a substantial increase in the subscription base for K33 Pro Research users. The potential for K33’s newly developed market application is considerable, and they are well-positioned for rapid scalability.
  3. Portfolio Potential: Arcario’s portfolio potential is substantial and brimming with possibilities. They have been experiencing robust deal flow, and they’re presently assessing several prospects that are aligned with their strategic trajectory. They are eager to disclose more details about these promising explorations in due time.
  4. Innovative Initiatives: Arcario is embarking on several innovative initiatives and strategies. They are designing an incubation program specifically aimed at fostering startups and accelerating their growth, complemented by their ‘double-down’ strategy, enabling them to channel their investments towards the most promising, high-performing ventures over the long haul.
  5. Current Portfolio: Looking at their current portfolio, LN Markets continues to excel, consistently setting new records and breaking new ground. Pure Digital is another highlight, demonstrating substantial progress and showing real promise. Their mining operation, Green Data, is currently reaping significant benefits from unusually low energy prices in Northern Norway.
  6. Strategic Alliance: Arcario’s recent strategic alliance with COWA enables them to explore potential synergies and enhance collaboration on mining, web3 venture investments, and asset management with K33. This partnership, bolstered by solid financial support from their major shareholders and robust operational performance across their portfolio, fuels optimism about the future.
  7. K33’s Future: As for K33, the potential for their newly developed market application is considerable. With features that include seamless onboarding, access to deep liquidity, and advanced access controls, they are well-positioned to cater to high-net-worth individuals and family offices across the EMEA region. Their consistent fund performance, coupled with the successful launch of the K33 Vinter quality index, sets them on a path of rapid scalability.
  8. Leadership at Arcario is confident: In summary, the leadership at Arcario is confident about the company’s strategic trajectory and growth potential. They are excited about the opportunities in the web3 space and the digital assets industry, and they are committed to delivering stellar results for their shareholders.

    Michael Jackson, Chair of Arcario, emphasizes the company’s transformation and strategic reorganization, which has resulted in two distinct entities: Arcario and K33. This restructuring has optimized their strategic positioning and elevated their operational capacity. Arcario is now focused on building a robust portfolio of web3-related investments, while K33 aims to become the leading wealth management platform for digital assets. Jackson highlights the company’s portfolio potential, which is substantial and filled with possibilities. Arcario is also embarking on innovative initiatives and strategies, such as an incubation program for startups and a ‘double-down’ strategy to channel investments towards the most promising ventures. Jackson expresses his enthusiasm for the potential of the team and looks forward to sharing strategic investments and plans in the upcoming quarters.

    Torbjørn Bull Jenssen, CEO of Arcario & K33, shares his delight in providing insights into the company’s operations and growth trajectory. He acknowledges the strategic reformation in the first quarter for K33, which led to promising returns and a substantial increase in the subscription base for K33 Pro Research users. Jenssen is optimistic about the potential of K33’s newly developed market application, which is well-positioned to cater to high-net-worth individuals and family offices across the EMEA region. He also mentions the resilience and potential for substantial growth in the industry, post the FTX collapse, and the increasing institutional interest in the private wealth segment. Jenssen is enthusiastic about the future and looks forward to sharing the company’s successes with shareholders in the upcoming quarters and years.

Please note that while the future looks promising, Arcario operates in the cryptocurrency industry, which is still largely unregulated and subject to continual and rapid technological and regulatory changes. There are uncertainties related to the development of the cryptocurrency market, including its future size, and the future success of Arcario’s business is, therefore, difficult to predict.

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Disclaimer
All transaction are carrying out by SiLLC, a private portfolio management assembly. This document is not an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. This document contains general information only and is not intended to represent general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and targets are not guaranteed. Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current expectations, current market and economic conditions, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of SiLLC and/or its members. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to SiLLC’s advisory activities relates to SiLLC Assembly International.

Neptune Digital Assets Announces the Release of Audited Financial Statements with a 1069% Increase in Total Revenues Over Prior Year

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – March 25, 2023 – Neptune Digital Assets Corp. (TSX-V:NDA) (OTC:NPPTF) (FSE:1NW) (“Neptune” or the “Company“), one of the first publicly traded blockchain companies in Canada, is pleased to announce that it has released its August 31, 2022 annual audited consolidated financial statements and management, discussion and analysis.

Below are a number of financial highlights pertaining to the August 31, 2022 year-end and for the period subsequent to year-end and up to the date of this news release.

  • Neptune ended the year on August 31, 2022 with $36.0 million in assets and no debt.
  • Neptune earned total revenues and other income of $7,405,529 through Bitcoin mining, staking, DeFi and other income-generating activities during the year.
  • Of the $18.9 million dollar net comprehensive loss for the year ended August 31, 2022, $16.3 million is related to a decrease in the fair values and impairments of underlying cryptocurrency assets and investments held and another $7.17 million related to a write-down in the value of mining rigs to fair market value.
  • Neptune mined $1,468,243 worth of Bitcoin up to August 31, 2022. As of the date of this release, Neptune had a total balance of 235 Bitcoin in cold storage and an additional 64 Bitcoin under chapter 11 claims with Genesis and Celsius, the outcome of those claims is currently unknown. Neptune currently does not sell its Bitcoin and all Bitcoin is now stored in cold storage.
  • Neptune’s two largest digital asset holdings as of the date of this release are 235 BTC and 174,000 ATOM. The Company also holds positions in ETH, FTM, wMemo, DASH, Lif3, Tomb and a number of other tokens, as well as an investment in SpaceX valued at approximately $2 million USD.
  • Neptune has also started to slowly increase its holdings of artificial intelligence (AI) cryptocurrency assets, namely Graph (GRT) and OCEAN tokens.
  • Current cash balance is $12 million held with a tier 1 Canadian bank and another $4 million USD under Chapter 11 claim with Genesis Lending with the outcome currently unknown

“In spite of much of 2022 being a devastating year for most companies in the Bitcoin mining and crypto currency space, Neptune managed to grow our income substantially over the prior year. Much of our loss on the income statement relates to unrealized losses and changes in fair value of the underlying assets,  fortunately when times are good those values will rise again” stated Cale Moodie, Neptune CEO. “We were very disappointed by the late filing of the financial statements, however industry changes and late-stage adjustments made the delays unavoidable. We hope to avoid this in the future and appreciate our shareholders patience through the last few months of financial reporting struggles. We are optimistic about 2023 and our focus in this volatile market will be to continue to grow cryptocurrency revenues and enhance our balance sheet. Even though the past year has been difficult for cryptocurrency, in addition to most asset classes and the overall global economy, we are more optimistic than ever of the long-term value of the cryptocurrency industry and Neptune.”

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About Neptune Digital Assets Corp.

Neptune Digital Assets Corp. is one of the first publicly traded blockchain companies in Canada and is a cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure leader with operations across the digital asset ecosystem including Bitcoin mining, proof-of-stake mining, blockchain nodes, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other associated blockchain technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Cale Moodie, President and CEO
Neptune Digital Assets Corp.
1-800-545-0941
www.neptunedigitalassets.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX ‎Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.‎

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans”, “proposes” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the auditors completing the remining auditing items with respect to the Annual Filings; the inherent risks involved in the cryptocurrency and general securities markets; the Company may not be able to profitably liquidate its current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on the Company’s operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. 

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.


 

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Disclaimer
All transactions are carried out by The SiLLC Assembly, a private portfolio management assembly. This document is not an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. This document contains general information only and is not intended to provide general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and targets are not guaranteed. Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current expectations, current market and economic conditions, estimates, projections, opinions, and beliefs of SiLLC and/or its members. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to SiLLC’s advisory activities relate to The SiLLC Assembly International.


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