Re Alliance

Victrex PLC
22 January  2001



Victrex plc and Ballard Power Systems Inc announce Alliance for the
Development and Manufacture of Ionomers for Ballard fuel cells



London, England - Victrex plc and Ballard Power Systems Inc announced today
that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop and manufacture
two separate ionomers (proton conductive polymers) for use in membranes for
Ballard fuel cells. Victrex and Ballard will develop the manufacturing
processes for Ballard's proprietary ionomer and collaborate on the development
of Victrex's proprietary ionomer.



The initial development period will last up to four years during which each
party will fund its own costs. Victrex does not expect its costs to exceed £
0.5m in the first year.


Upon the successful completion of the development phase for each ionomer,
including the development of volume manufacturing processes and qualification
of the ionomer for commercial applications, Victrex will operate pilot
facilities to manufacture these ionomers for use in Ballard fuel cells.



'This is an important alliance for Ballard as it has the potential to
accelerate cost reduction through volume manufacturing of Ballard's ionomer
and through the qualification of Victrex's low-cost ionomer for use in our
fuel cells,' said Kip Smith, Ballard President and Chief Operating Officer.



'Victrex has demonstrated manufacturing capabilities and expertise in
developing polymers,' said Dr. Alfred Steck, Ballard's Vice-President and
Chief Technical Officer. 'The combined strength of Ballard and Victrex will
allow us to broaden our technology base and enhance our ability to achieve our
volume manufacturing and cost reduction goals.'



'We are excited at the prospect of working with the world leader in proton
exchange membrane fuel cells,' said David Hummel, Victrex's Chief Executive.
'This alliance with Ballard greatly enhances the prospects for the membrane
materials that we have developed and leverages Victrex's skill in
manufacturing with Ballard's fuel cell expertise. We look forward to a
mutually beneficial long-term relationship.'



Victrex plc is an innovative, world-leading, high performance materials group.
It has manufacturing plants and research facilities in the UK, and sales and
distribution centres serving over 30 countries worldwide. Victrex is at the
forefront of high performance polymer technology having developed and
commercialised a number of new materials. The most notable of these is PEEK
polymer, a high performance plastic with a unique combination of properties,
which include exceptional chemical, wear, electrical and temperature
resistance, as well as dimensional stability and numerous processing
capabilities. These properties enable engineers to produce cost-effective
designs for critical applications in such diverse markets as the industrial,
aerospace, automotive, electronics, food and medical sectors.

Ballard Power Systems Inc is recognised as the world leader in developing,
manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells
for use in transportation, electricity generation and portable power products.
Ballard Power Systems' proprietary fuel cell technology is enabling
automobile, electrical equipment and portable power product manufacturers to
develop environmentally clean products for sale. The fundamental component of
these end-user products is the Ballard  fuel cell that combines hydrogen
(which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, petroleum or renewable
sources) and oxygen (from air) without combustion to generate electricity.
Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GPU International, ALSTOM and EBARA, to commercialize
Ballard fuel cells. Ballard has also supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan,
Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy, Coleman Powermate and Matsushita Electric Works,
among others.



Enquiries



Victrex plc


David Hummel, Chief Executive          44 (0) 207 357 8477 (22 January 2001)
Michael Peacock, Finance Director      44 (0) 1253 897700  (thereafter)
Nick Denton / Nick Lockwood            44 (0) 207 357 8477

Hogarth Partnership Limited

Ballard Power Systems Inc.


Michael Rosenberg, Manager, Investor        001 604 412 3195
Relations
Debby Harris, Manager, Public Relations     001 604 412 4740



Ballard's Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol 'BLD' and on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol
'BLDP'. Ballard and the Ballard logo are registered trademarks of Ballard
Power Systems Inc.

Victrex's Ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and are
classified under the heading 'Chemical Companies'.  Victrex is a registered
trademark of Victrex plc.