Blue EnerFreeze supports STEF in its energy transition with hydrogen
Réalisations
Why hydrogen for materials handling equipment?
Using hydrogen as an energy source for materials handling equipment offers a number of advantages over traditional batteries. In particular, hydrogen fuel cells offer rapid refuelling - less than 3 minutes - compared with the several minutes needed to change the electric batteries on forklift trucks. This reduces operator downtime and improves site productivity.
What's more, hydrogen is a clean energy source, producing only water as a by-product.
The STEF Athis-Mons project: a pioneering approach in France
The deployment of a fleet of handling trucks equipped with hydrogen fuel cells is a first for the STEF Group in Europe. This project is part of their sustainable innovation strategy, helping not only to reduce the carbon impact of their business but also to promote the use of alternative energies in their logistics operations.
The STEF Madrid project: a model of green hydrogen produced on site
The introduction of hydrogen-powered forklifts goes even further. The hydrogen used is produced directly on site using an electrolyser that converts water into hydrogen. Most of the electricity needed to run the electrolyser comes from the photovoltaic plant installed on the roof of the site, making the hydrogen produced on site green and local.
The benefits of hydrogen projects for STEF and the supply chain
Here are some of the main benefits observed
Improved productivity: hydrogen-powered trucks can be refuelled in just a few minutes, compared with several minutes to change the batteries in electric trucks.
Increased autonomy and flexibility: A single charge allows trucks to work continuously for longer, as fuel cells perform better in cold environments than lead-acid batteries.
Comfort for teams: Hydrogen fuel cells reduce the risk of accidents when changing heavy batteries.
A more sustainable solution: On average, a fuel cell has a lifespan of 10 years, twice as long as lead-acid batteries.
One step closer to the logistics of tomorrow
Energy is a crucial environmental and economic issue for transport and temperature-controlled logistics operators. By integrating green hydrogen in Athis-Mons and Madrid, the STEF Group is taking another step towards a more sustainable and efficient logistics model.
- Benjamin Dumont, Managing Director of Blue Enerfreeze
« These projects in Athis-Mons and Madrid are a major step forward. These projects in Athis-Mons and Madrid demonstrate our desire to support our customers in their energy transition. By choosing green hydrogen to power their handling equipment, STEF is affirming its commitment to a more environmentally-friendly logistics model and turning the Group resolutely towards a more sustainable future. »
