Hydrogenics Corp president Pierre Rivard

Hydrogenics Corporation and General Motors (GM) Canada are partnering up to develop the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered industrial vehicles.

A fuel-cell-powered forklift supported by the Hydrogenics HyLYZER onsite refuelling station is being demonstrated at GM’s Oshawa assembly complex for the first time, Hydrogenics said in a statement.

Company president and chief executive Pierre Rivard said one of the first commercial uses for hydrogen power would be for industrial fleet vehicles like forklifts, where on-site refuelling stations could meet immediate refuelling needs.

"Fuel-cell-powered forklifts are ideal for indoor facilities such as factories and warehouses because they produce no exhaust emissions and have significant operational advantages over traditional battery-powered forklifts," Rivard said.

Hydrogenics and a consortium of technology and end-use partners have been working to develop fuel-cell-powered forklifts for commercialisation.

Consortium members include Deere & Company, FedEx Canada, General Motors Canada, NACCO Materials Handling Group and the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance.

The project is partially funded by a CND1.45 million (USD1.15 million) grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada.