Nextek Power Systems, Inc. Pumps up the Volume

    Business Editors/Energy Editors

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2005--Nextek Power Systems, Inc. announced today the launch of its new high efficiency 75 kilowatt Digital Power Gateway to be manufactured under an Agreement with Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP). Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
    The Nextek Digital Power Gateway is designed for commercial buildings that generate some of their own power with solar panels, fuel cells, and other distributed generation methods. Acting quite literally like a gateway, this digitally controlled router uses the locally generated power first, then 'fills in' with power from the grid as necessary. This allows for unparalleled efficiencies when using local energy because power is used where, when, and how it is being generated. A smaller version of the Digital Power Gateway, the NPS-1000, has been successfully commercialized in grocery stores, big box retail establishments, distribution centers, and more.
    "I am very pleased to have Ballard as our manufacturing partner for our new high-power Digital Power Gateway", said Paul Savage, Nextek's CEO. "Their superb engineering and manufacturing team will enable us to further commercialize our breakthrough technologies in more varied locations."
    Noordin Nanji, Ballard's Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, said "This agreement fits well into our plan to leverage our world-class engineering and manufacturing facilities as we work with our customers and partners to penetrate the alternative energy market."
    "Until now, Nextek's power networks have been most applicable to new construction and buildings undergoing lighting refits," said Mark Robinson, Nextek's VP of Sales. "Our dealer network can now take advantage of opportunities in existing buildings that need higher efficiency, backup power systems, and lower-cost metering, monitoring and control systems."
    Currently the Nextek system uses locally generated DC (Direct Current) to power DC devices like fluorescent lighting, HID lighting and variable speed motor drives. Coming soon is Nextek's Bi-Directional Power Gateway that will further change the power equation by delivering all the functionality of an inverter plus the unique features found in Nextek's Direct Coupling(R) platform.

    About Nextek

    Nextek Power Systems, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and developer of direct current (dc) power networks in buildings and Direct Coupling(R) accessories for diverse applications including commercial and industrial lighting and variable speed motor controllers.
    For more information call Mark Robinson at (631) 750-1000 x 20 or visit our website at www.nextekpower.com and see how it works and why we are different at www.directcoupling.com.

    About Ballard

    Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Ballard's mission is to develop fuel cell power as a practical alternative to internal combustion engines through technology leadership.

    To learn more about what Ballard is doing with Power to Change the World(R), visit www.ballard.com

--30--BS/ny*

CONTACT: Nextek Power Systems, Inc. Mark Robinson, 631-750-1000 x 20

KEYWORD: NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENERGY UTILITIES PRODUCT SOURCE: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005