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Vattenfall is launching Sweden’s first hydrogen gas-fueled fuel cell plant for backup power for broadband networks, in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems and IT Norrbotten.
In the event of prolonged power outages in cold climates, the plant in Verkalix will ensure uninterrupted broadband and digital communications.
“The new fuel cell plant is a further step forward in our ambition to work with partners to create fossil-free solutions that can simultaneously deliver back-up power for a significantly longer time than previous solutions. This means that telecoms operations can be maintained both sustainably and for a long time, even in areas that are difficult to access when there’s an outage in the regular power supply. We own the plant and are responsible for its functionality, which makes it easier for the customer to focus on their core business,” says Patrik Appelgren, Business Developer at Vattenfall Network Solutions.
The hydrogen-fueled fuel cell system was created for the telecommunications and fiber optic industries to provide the highest level of reliability for critical infrastructure. When backup power is required, the system converts fossil-free hydrogen gas into electricity immediately.
“Collaborating with Vattenfall has been a good opportunity for us to work together and create solutions where we’ve introduced new, sustainable technology to large-scale projects that benefit the critical infrastructure of society,” says John Skjoldrup Pedersen, Business Developer at Ballard.
IT Norrbotten is the plant’s client, and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) funded it as part of its efforts to improve the robustness and durability of electronic communication networks.
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