LATHAM, NY – June 22, 2010 – Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today announced that its GenDrive™ fuel cell units will power Walmart Canada’s fleet of electric lift trucks at the company’s sustainable refrigerated distribution center in Alberta, Canada.
The GenDrive systems will be integrated into trucks manufactured by Crown Equipment Corporation. Both perishable and freezer goods will be distributed in Walmart Canada’s newly-built facility to support retail stores in Western Canada. The GenDrive freezer units will operate in conditions as low as -20°F (-29°C).
By utilizing GenDrive-powered lift trucks from the design stage, costs associated with installing, maintaining and operating traditional lead-acid battery systems are avoided. The decision to move forward with hydrogen-powered trucks and supporting infrastructure at the start allows for the possibility of future use at other existing sites. In addition to lower operating costs, GenDrive allows for productivity increases, as material handling vehicles maintain maximum power and speed during an entire shift. Units can be refueled in less than two minutes, minimizing lost productivity.
Most importantly, the use of GenDrive hydrogen fuel cells provides companies with a power solution that aligns with environmental initiatives. With a possible greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of up to 72%, compared to batteries charged from the grid, GenDrive supports a sustainable operation.
“Plug Power is thrilled our GenDrive fuel cell product is helping Walmart Canada’s Alberta facility become one of the most energy-efficient distribution facilities of its kind in North America,” said Plug Power’s CEO, Andy Marsh. “Plug Power’s complete product suite allowed Walmart to implement the GenDrive solution throughout its entire fleet. The commercial economics make sense and we believe customers see the benefits this progressive solution brings to its operations.”
“Crown’s substantial research and development of fuel cell forklifts are focused on designs and applications customized to our customers’ unique requirements,” said Jim Moran, senior vice president, Cown Equipment. “There are measurable benefits, such as cost savings and increased productivity, hich can be achieved by using fuel cells in forklifts within certain applications. We appreciate the pportunity to collaborate with Walmart in its efforts to realize these benefits in its Canada facility.”
The systems are expected to begin shipping in June and will be operational at Walmart Canada in fall of 2010.
Source: Plug Power Inc.