US: Plug Power's energy solutions expand to up to 30 Walmart sites

Energy solutions company Plug Power expects to provide its GenKey hydrogen fueling station and fuel cell energy solutions to up to 30 additional Walmart sites in North America over the next three years, with 10 sites already under contract and scheduled to be finished by the end of 2017, according to the new collaborative agreement between Plug Power and Walmart.

Plug Power has been powering Walmart's material handling unit with fuel cell technology since 2014.

Currently, the retail giant operates the largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell powered electric vehicles in the world, totaling more than 6,600 units in distribution centers across North America.

“Plug Power’s material handling solutions represent a critical component in our supply chain,” said Jeff Smith, Senior Director of Logistics Maintenance and Purchasing Services.

Plug Power’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, according to a company release, replaces traditional lead-acid batteries, helping customers increase warehouse productivity with a more energy efficient solution, while reducing the costs and sustainability issues related to traditional battery maintenance.