Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, is collaborating with Carreras Grupo Logístico to establish Spain’s first fully green hydrogen logistics site. The project, based at Carreras’ logistics center in Masquefa, Barcelona, will serve as a pilot to validate the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology over traditional lead-acid batteries.
Plug will support Carreras in replacing their current lead-acid battery-powered forklifts with hydrogen fuel cells to enhance the decarbonization, energy efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of operations while reducing costs. The Masquefa site will be a testing ground to assess Plug’s hydrogen fuel cell technology’s performance, with the potential for its deployment across Carreras’ network of 46 logistics warehouses in Spain.
Upon successful completion of the pilot, Plug will deliver a comprehensive green hydrogen ecosystem to Carreras Grupo Logístico. This will include hydrogen fuel cells, a 1 MW electrolyzer, and a hydrogen refueling station to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
“We are excited to work with Carreras Grupo Logístico to usher in a landmark moment: the first hydrogen-powered logistics site in Spain,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “This strategic collaboration demonstrates the transformative potential of hydrogen-powered solutions in achieving decarbonization and operational efficiency in logistics.”
Hydrogen fuel cells present significant advantages over lead-acid batteries, including rapid refueling in minutes versus hours of charging time, reduced equipment downtime, and minimal servicing, which lead to cost savings. The transition also offers a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with Carreras Grupo Logístico’s sustainability priorities.
The global adoption of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts is growing, with North America, Europe, and Asia embracing the technology. Leading companies such as Amazon and Walmart have already integrated tens of thousands of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts into their operations, citing productivity gains and cost efficiencies.
