Amazon has revealed its plans to produce hydrogen fuel at its fulfillment centers, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing its operations. The company has partnered with hydrogen firm Plug Power to install the first electrolyser—a one-megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyser—at a fulfillment center in Colorado, USA. This electrolyser will produce low-carbon hydrogen to fuel over 225 hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift trucks at the site.
As part of Amazon's commitment to decarbonize its operations by 2040, the use of hydrogen is considered a crucial tool. The on-site production of hydrogen through the partnership with Plug Power is expected to enhance energy efficiency for certain locations and types of facilities.
The Plug 1MW electrolyser utilizes electricity and water to produce hydrogen and has the capacity to support up to 400 hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift trucks. The hydrogen produced will be compressed on-site and stored in a gaseous hydrogen storage tank for use by the forklift trucks.
Plug CEO Andy Marsh highlighted the significance of the partnership with Amazon, emphasizing the essential role hydrogen plays in the collective energy future. The collaboration also demonstrates Plug's ability to provide end-to-end solutions in the hydrogen value chain.
Previously, Plug collaborated with Amazon to deploy more than 17,000 fuel cells, replacing batteries in forklifts across more than 80 fulfillment centers in North America. In most of these locations, hydrogen was produced elsewhere, liquified, and delivered to the site for the forklifts. The on-site production of hydrogen is expected to contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient supply chain for Amazon.
(With Agency Inputs)
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