Distribution site goes green

FORKLIFT trucks powered by zero emission hydrogen engines will be used for the first time in the UK’s at Asda’s distribution hub in Skelmersdale.

The supermarket giant has agreed a deal with New York company Plus Power as it bids to make its operations drastrically more environmentally friendly.

The new technology will be trialled in Skelmersdale and will involve state of the art hydrogen fuel cells being used to power Asda’s fleet of lift trucks.

It represents the first significant deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for material handling within the country.

If successful, it will be rolled out to Asda’s other distribution centres.

As well as the enviromental benefits, the fuel cell powered equipment is said to benefit warehouses by reducing downtime needing for charging and changing batteries, as well as saving space needed for storing and changing them.

Darren Pettener, general manager of the Asda Skelmersdale Distribution Centre, said that sustainability was a key part of the Walmartowned company’s ambition to be the