Hydrogen-powered forklifts are set to roll out across UK logistics hubs in a major push to cut emissions and improve efficiency in warehousing operations.
Intelligent Energy will support a large-scale hydrogen project by deploying up to 40 fuel cell-powered warehouse trucks across sites in Yorkshire and Humber.
The move forms part of the €20m Lighter than Aire (LtA) Hydrogen Valley project, backed by the EU’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which aims to accelerate hydrogen adoption across logistics, industry and transport.
Centrally located along the River Aire between Bradford and Leeds, the project targets one of the UK’s busiest logistics corridors, linking key routes between Liverpool and Hull.
As part of the programme, Intelligent Energy is working with Briggs Equipment UK, distributor for Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, to introduce forklifts powered by its IE-LIFT™ fuel cell system.
The trucks are expected to enter operation from June 2028, supporting warehousing activities across two major logistics hubs.
The IE-LIFT system replaces conventional battery packs with a compact unit combining a fuel cell, buffer battery and hydrogen storage.
Refuelling takes around three minutes, removing the need for lengthy charging cycles while maintaining the quiet, zero-emission performance of electric forklifts.
The technology is already in use in demanding industrial environments, including BMW’s manufacturing operations in Germany.
Each system is designed to deliver more than 30,000 hours of service life and can be integrated into standard forklift models without affecting payload or manoeuvrability.
David Fields, head of product line IE-POWER at Intelligent Energy, said the project builds on proven success overseas.
“The US market has set the pace in hydrogen intralogistics, with fuel cell-powered forklift trucks operating at Walmart, Amazon and other major organisations over the past decade,” he said.
“Our fuel cells are proven to be robust, durable and efficient, following a successful deployment at BMW’s Leipzig plant since 2023.”
He added: “This project gives us the opportunity to deploy our IE-LIFT technology on home soil, and to demonstrate its value to operators across the UK and Europe.”
The wider Hydrogen Valley initiative is designed to connect hydrogen production, distribution and end use within a single regional system.
Alongside warehouse operations, the project will also support the rollout of more than 150 hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles, with the aim of achieving operating costs close to diesel through centralised supply.
By integrating hydrogen technology into active logistics sites, the scheme aims to demonstrate how the fuel can cut emissions while improving operational performance.
For Intelligent Energy, the project represents a step towards wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in UK warehousing, where fast refuelling and high utilisation make the technology particularly suited to daily operations.