Fuel Cell Maker Invests $160M in Rockwall, TX Plant

Ballard Power Systems, a leading provider of fuel cell solutions, has secured significant funding from the US government to bolster its expansion efforts. The company will utilize two grants totaling $40 million to support the construction and development of an integrated fuel cell production facility in Rockwall, Texas.

Location and Scope of Ballard Rockwall Giga 1

The new facility, named Ballard Rockwall Giga 1, will occupy a 22-acre plot of industrial land within the Rockwall Technology Park, situated just east of Dallas. In its initial phase, Ballard plans to invest approximately $160 million from 2024 to 2027. This investment will facilitate the construction and commissioning of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Production Capacity and Targets

Upon completion, the facility is slated to have an annual production capacity of 8 million membrane electrode assemblies, 8 million bipolar plates, 20,000 fuel cell stacks, and up to 20,000 fuel cell engines per year. This output is equivalent to 3 gigawatts of fuel cells, marking a significant contribution to the clean energy sector.

Support from Government and Local Entities

In addition to the $40 million government grants, Ballard has garnered support from the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC), which owns and manages the Rockwall Technology Park. The REDC has offered various forms of assistance, including land provisions, financial incentives, fee waivers, and permit facilitation. Moreover, they have been instrumental in streamlining the planning and approval processes for the new facility.

Ballard Power Systems' expansion project in Rockwall, Texas, represents a substantial step towards enhancing domestic fuel cell production capacity. With ample support from both government entities and local stakeholders, the company is poised to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that will contribute significantly to the advancement of clean energy technologies.