The market for forklift trucks powered by fuel cells is the fastest developing market for hydrogen energy. Based on this fact, a France-based joint venture is expected to be created between Axane, a unit of Air Liquide Group, and Plug Power, a pioneer in forklift trucks’ fuel cells.
Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cell system will be the basis of this joint venture. The hydrogen-powered vehicles are extremely versatile, offer productivity benefits and release near-zero greenhouse gases. Hydrogen power is eco-friendly, profitable and dependable.
A completely green package, which includes the GenDrive fuel cell solution and the supply of hydrogen from Air Liquide filling stations will be delivered to the European market. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen present in the air to generate electricity, while releasing water as a byproduct. According to the Blue Hydrogen method of Air Liquide Group, hydrogen will be generated without releasing CO2.
The Chief Executive Officer for Plug Power, Andy Marsh stated that the Air Liquide is the right choice to assist the company to accelerate its expansion plans in Europe. The company expects to work closely with Air Liquide to extend its fuel cell products’ environmental and cost advantages to the materials handling industry in Europe.
The Senior Vice President of Air Liquide Grouup, François Darchis stated that this collaboration will enable the company to assist in the deployment of hydrogen-powered fleets across Europe.
Source: http://www.airliquide.com