HE Butt Grocery Co (H-E-B) has ordered 14 PowerEdge fuel cell systems from Nuvera Fuel Cells for installation on Class 2 reach forklifts in H-E-B's perishables distribution centre (PDC) in San Antonio.

Also, H-E-B is obtaining an on-site hydrogen generator and a hydrogen refueling station, both identified under Nuvera's PowerTap brand. The US Department of Energy's hydrogen and fuel cell market transformation initiative is providing partial funding.

"We believe that hydrogen and fuel cells offer tremendous potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving our productivity," says Bobby Greene, director of H-E-B fleet maintenance.

Roberto Cordaro, Nuvera president and chief executive officer, says: "The conversion of the power units and of the PowerTap hydrogen station is taking place this summer, and a new PowerTap hydrogen generator will be deployed in the fall. Nuvera looks forward to moving ahead with H-E-B as it considers the adoption of fuel cells throughout its distribution network."

The installation will enable San Antonio-based H-E-B to validate lifecycle cost projections, productivity gains and environmental benefits. The PowerEdge hybrid system can replace standard lead-acid batteries for powering forklifts.

Nuvera reports a PowerTap system can produce hydrogen at a total cost of USD6 per kg, based on average national utility rates and including federal incentives and all capital, operation, installation and maintenance costs.

"H-E-B and Nuvera are aiming at improving productivity in the PDC operation along with significant reduction in carbon emissions," Cordaro notes.

Billerica, Massachusetts-based Nuvera characterises its "Total Power Solution" as a first with purpose-built products in the fuel cell material handling market.

H-E-B employs more than 70,000, operates 300 retail grocery stores in Texas and Mexico and has annual sales in excess of USD15 billion.