H-E-B Converts Reach Trucks to Fuel-Cell Power

June 11, 2009
BILLERICA, MASS—Nuvera Fuel Cells will deliver 14 PowerEdge fuel-cell systems and a PowerTap hydrogen generator/station to H-E-B’s San Antonio distribution center.

The fuel-cell units, which will power Class 2 reach trucks in the company’s perishables DC, are scheduled to arrive in September. The Department of Energy’s hydrogen and fuel-cell market transformation initiative is providing partial funding.

“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Nuvera,” says Bobby Greene, director of fleet maintenance. “H-E-B is committed to being a leader in the use of clean energy technologies, and we believe that hydrogen and fuel cells offer tremendous potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving our productivity.”

Nuvera’s Total Power Solution for material handling includes PowerEdge and PowerTap, which is said to produce hydrogen at a cost of $6/kg, based on average national utility rates, federal incentives and capital, operation, installation and maintenance costs.