Last checked at 20 Jan 2012 07:00
20 January 2012
ITM Power plc
("ITM Power")
Pilot Agreement with Marks and Spencer Group plc ("M&S")
ITM Power (AIM: ITM), the energy storage and clean fuel company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a pilot agreement with M&S (LSE: MKS) to deliver the UK's first hydrogen fuel cell, materials handling equipment trial using on site hydrogen generation.
Using the ITM Power HFuel platform to generate hydrogen, the six week trial involves M&S using several fuel cell vehicles as a direct substitute for part of the existing battery powered fleet. The vehicles will be deployed at M&S's 1.1million sq. ft. Prologis Park Distribution Centre.
The trial forms part of the M&S Plan A initiative and aims to deliver zero emission vehicles with superior performance and a two minute refuel time. The trial is the first of its kind in the UK and demonstrates the cutting edge vision of M&S and ITM Power.
The global materials handling market, valued at US$20 billion, is seen as a key early adoption market for hydrogen with fuel cells already being able to offer superior performance to battery powered systems.
Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power commented:"The involvement of companies such as M&S is essential to developing commercially viable hydrogen solutions for the materials handling industry. We are extremely pleased to be conducting this trial with M&S who continue to lead the way for sustainable technology deployment."
Darrell Stein, Director of IT and Logistics for M&S commented:"We are excited to be trialing this solution with a company like ITM Power, and with a technology which has the potential to drive significant carbon reductions from our warehouse operations. If we're to achieve our ambitious goal of becoming the world's most sustainable major retailer then we must continue to innovate and push the boundaries in every part of our business".
For further information please visit www.itm-power.com or contact:
ITM Power plc Graham Cooley, CEO | 0114 244 5111 |
Nomura Code Securities Juliet Thompson / Dr Chris Golden | 020 77761200
|
Tavistock Communications Simon Hudson / Andrew Dunn | 020 7920 3150 |
About M&S and Plan A
One of the UK's most recognised brands, Plan A is Marks & Spencer's eco and ethical programme which aims to make M&S the world's most sustainable major retailer by 2015. Launched in 2007 and extended in March 2010, it takes a holistic approach to sustainability focusing on involving customers, involving all areas of the business and tackling issues such as climate change, waste, raw materials, health and being a fair partner.
About ITM Power:
ITM Power designs and manufactures Hydrogen Energy Systems for Energy Storage and Clean Fuel production. ITM Power has grown from its original platform of novel polymeric electrolytes (for water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells) to that of a product supplier. ITM Power now has both a strong base of intellectual property and engineering expertise for providing complete hydrogen solutions and CE marked products for sale. http://www.itm-power.com
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