A manufacturing company specializing in fuel cell products and engineering services has announced plans to invest $160 million toward building a new manufacturing plant in Rockwall.
The investment, backed by grants totaling $40 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), marks a significant step forward in advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the United States, according to a news release from Ballard Power Systems (BPS).
The proposed Rockwall Giga 1 facility, to be located on 22 acres within the Rockwall Technology Park, is expected to have substantial annual production capacity. BPS anticipates the facility will produce 8 million membrane electrode assemblies, 8 million bipolar plates, 20,000 fuel cell stacks, and up to 20,000 fuel cell engines annually, equivalent to 3 gigawatts of fuel cells.
BPS highlighted the flexibility of the Rockwall site, allowing for potential future expansion to accommodate an increase in production in subsequent phases. The company intends to make a final investment decision later this year, reported Dallas Business Journal.
“We are thrilled that Ballard chose Rockwall, Texas, for this transformative project. We believe the choice of Rockwall speaks to our strong advanced manufacturing workforce, logistical advantages, and first-class shovel-ready sites we have available in the Rockwall Technology Park,” said Phil Wagner, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) president.
Randy MacEwen, president and CEO of BPS, also expressed appreciation for the DOE’s support and emphasized the significance of the Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing and Recycling Program in advancing America’s hydrogen and fuel cell capabilities.
The collaboration with the REDC further underscores the partnership between Ballard and local stakeholders. Dr. Lee Sweetland, BPS’s chief transformation officer, highlighted the company’s dedication to developing advanced manufacturing processes to meet future market demands while reducing costs.
As BPS moves forward with its sustainable energy initiatives, the Rockwall Giga 1 project represents a potential sign of progress in America’s clean energy initiative, according to the company’s news release.
“Ballard’s planned investment will go a long way in enabling continued high-quality services at the city, county, and school district levels. Likewise, we look forward to being a committed partner for Ballard in their future growth,” said Wagner.
