An investigation has been launched into the reported explosion of a Plug Power fuel cell-powered forklift in the US that led to the death of the machine’s operator.
Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said the company is taking part in the probe led by multinational Procter & Gamble’s— whose facility in Pineville, Louisiana, was where the incident happened.
Marsh said: “The Pineville plant utilises equipment from multiple vendors. The Plug Power fuel cell unit is just one part of that larger system. We and other suppliers involved in the Procter & Gamble material handling system are actively contributing to the root cause investigation of this accident.”
The accident comes just over a year after New York-based Plug Power jolted the traditional motive power lead-acid market by signing a multi-year contract with internet retail giant Amazon— including an opportunity for Amazon to buy up to 23% of the fuel cell maker.
Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cells, used to power forklifts in warehouses and distribution centres, are seen as an alternative to lead-acid batteries.
The Amazon deal paved the way for the online giant to start using Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cells to power its industrial equipment, including forklifts, in 11 of Amazon’s fulfilment centres.
Plug Power said it currently has nine CE-certified GenDrive-models and collaborates with seven leading OEMs in Europe. The company said “GenDrive is strategically growing its customer base throughout Europe and Asia”.
Of the Louisiana incident, CEO Marsh added: “We strive to design, build, monitor, and service our equipment to the highest standards.”
“Our material handling power units are designed to meet the safety requirements of UL2267—Standard for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Installation in Industrial Electric Trucks. Given our tens of thousands of power units that safely operate worldwide each day, we remain confident in both the design and opportunity our equipment provides. That said, as this investigation progresses we will take every piece of information we receive into consideration as we pursue any improvements we can make.”
