Marks & Spencer launches its first trial of hydrogen-powered fork-lift trucks

It is believed M&S to be the first in the UK to test the commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in materials handling. Hydrogen is seen as potentially the most exciting solution for moving the UK towards a zero carbon transport system because it can be easily converted into electricity in a fuel cell and because it is carbon free. Earlier this week, the Government announced a major programme to get hydrogen-powered vehicles on UK roads by 2014.

The materials handling market, which involves using industrial engineering equipment, including fork-lift trucks, to move and store materials, goods and products, is seen as a key early adopter of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

ITM said the M&S trial will look to deliver zero emissions vehicles with a two-minute refuel time, thereby offering greater efficiencies to battery powered systems. "The involvement of companies such as M&S is essential to developing commercially viable hydrogen solutions for the materials handling industry," Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power said.

The trial is part of M&S Plan A sustainability programme. Darrell Stein, director of IT and Logistics for M&S, said it would help drive the company towards it goal of being the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015. "We are excited to be trialing this […]technology, which has the potential to drive significant carbon reductions from our warehouse operations. If we’re to achieve our ambitious goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer then we must continue to innovate and push the boundaries in every part of our business," he added.