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    1. Powered Vehicles and Forklifts

    Wegmans Gets $1 Million to Convert Electric Lift Trucks to Fuel Cell Power

    Aug. 18, 2009
    The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority has granted supermarket chain Wegmans $1 million to begin using hydrogen fuel-cell technology in lift trucks and pallet trucks at its distribution center in Cass Township, Pa.

    Allentown newspaper The Morning Call reported that state grant will help offset the purchase of an on-site hydrogen infrastructure, which will include an outdoor hydrogen storage tank and indoor fueling dispensers. Lift trucks and pallet trucks at the DC are currently powered by lead-acid batteries.

    The installation is expected to be completed in November. The company will also purchase 50 new pallet trucks and nine lift trucks.

    Wegmans officials, according to the newspaper, said the transition from lead-acid to hydrogen will increase productivity, lower operating cost and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.