Over 100 fuel cells are to be installed into lift trucks across Canada as part of a new deal between General Hydrogen and Ballard Power Systems.

Ranging in power output from 4.8 kilowatts to 21.1 kilowatts, the fuel cells will be integrated into General Hydrogen's forklift truck units, with delivery expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

Commenting on the deal, Noordin Nanji, vice president of marketing and business development at Ballard, said: "Our Mark9 SSL fuel cells are attracting a great deal of interest from potential customers worldwide."

Frank Trotter, General Hydrogen's president and chief executive, added that the deal – which has an option to continue with larger volumes in 2007 and beyond – will offer the company a "solid foundation" for its future integration of fuel cells into its lift truck fleet.

He added: "The market is driven not only by the economic need to be as efficient as possible, but also the requirement to meet ever-increasing environmental standards in the workplace for the health and safety of workers."

Fuel cell power is expected to become an increasingly prominent resource in the coming years, and a recent report from Fuel Cells 2000 found that there are now over 2,000 fuel cell installations worldwide.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd