Plug Power wins fuel cell contract with retailer

Latham, N.Y. – Plug Power Inc. has signed a contract with a leading retailer to install its hydrogen fuel cell systems at six distributions centers in North America over the next two years. The first site is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2014.

The multi-site deal for GenKey systems includes more than 1,500 GenDrive proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power units coupled with multi-year contracts for GenFuel hydrogen, GenFuel fueling infrastructure, and GenCare service. The fuel-cell systems will go into forklifts and other material-handling equipment, Plug Power’s chief customers.

“GenKey accelerates the transition to GenDrive fuel cells and enables rapid fleet conversion. This allows customers to swiftly realize the advantages of increased productivity and improved environmental benefits,” says Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “In the coming year, we plan to grow not only in the material handling industry, but also expand into other fleet vehicle applications such as transport refrigeration units, ground support equipment and range extenders.”

Plug Power has over 4,500 GenDrive units deployed with North American material handling operators such as Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Kroger, BMW, and Mercedes Benz.

GenDrive replaces multiple lead acid batteries, eliminates battery changes and operates at 100% output for a full shift without the effects of battery degradation.

Source: Plug Power