Hydrogenics Corp. (Mississauga, Ontario), announced that it and a group of partners has received funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a government foundation that supports “clean” technologies, for a demonstration project. The two-year test will involve up to 19 lift trucks and tuggers at General Motors of Canada's Oshawa (Ontario) car plant.
Hydrogenics is leading the project for the three organizations, which includes NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. The companies worked together previously on a four-month deployment of two prototype fuel cells at the same auto plant.
"General Motors of Canada operated two hydrogen-powered forklifts in our car plant in 2005 and we were impressed with the durability and reliability of the vehicles, as well as their environmental potential," said David Paterson v.p. corporate and environmental affairs for, General Motors of Canada. "We are excited to be part of this project that will help to advance hydrogen technology even further."
"NMHG is continually working to develop products our customers need today and will need in the future," said Lee Tracy of NACCO. "We see fuel cells as a propulsion solution that can provide new benefits for our customers. As such, we are pleased to participate in this demonstration."
"Our alpha unit demonstration deployments in 2005 served the purpose of validating the opportunity for Fuel Cell Power Packs to serve the material handling market. The focus of this new, larger, demonstration is to further the technology development curve, moving Hydrogenics closer to the commercialization of its fuel cell technology in this exciting application," said Pierre Rivard, president and CEO of Hydrogenics.
Fitting within the existing battery compartment, the test vehicles will be powered by the hybrid HyPM Fuel Cell Power Pack. Compared to the time required for conventional battery recharging, fuel cells reportedly offer faster refueling, extended run-time between refills and consistent power while releasing no harmful emissions.
Source: Hydrogenics.
