GenKey is Plug Power's turnkey solution

Energy solution provider Plug Power Inc received a precedent-setting contract for more than 1,500 turnkey hydrogen fuel cell systems from a so-far unidentified retailer.

The multi-site GenKey deal includes GenDrive proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power units coupled with multi-year contracts for GenFuel hydrogen, GenFuel fueling infrastructure and GenCare service.

With its complete range of turnkey services, "GenKey accelerates the transition to GenDrive fuel cells and enables rapid fleet conversion", says Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of Latham-based publicly traded Plug Power. "This allows customers to swiftly realise the advantages of increased productivity and improved environmental benefits."

Marsh says the turnkey deal "represents a significant milestone for Plug Power".

Plug Power has more than 4,500 GenDrive units deployed with North American materials handling operators, such as Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Kroger, BMW and Mercedes Benz.

GenDrive as a power solution replaces multiple lead acid batteries, eliminates time-consuming battery changes and operates at 100% output power for a full shift without the effects of battery degradation, the company claims. GenDrive fuel cells offer environmental benefits to customers, supporting sustainable operations through greenhouse gas emission reductions when compared to charging batteries from the grid.