Toyota Material Handling Europe and Plug Power, supply partners of STEF, to bring cutting-edge hydrogen forklift and hydrogen fuel cell solutions to two of its cold storage distribution centers, in France and Spain
STEF Group, European leader in temperature-controlled food logistics, has launched two hydrogen projects with Toyota Material Handling Europe and Plug Power (PLUG) in France and Spain. The initiative involves implementing hydrogen-powered forklifts at cold storage facilities in Athis-Mons, France, and Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain.
The French site uses delivered green hydrogen, while the Spanish facility produces hydrogen on-site using an electrolyzer powered by a 2.9 MWp rooftop solar plant. The project includes 48 forklifts in Athis-Mons and 67 in Torrejón de Ardoz.
The hydrogen fuel cell forklifts offer several advantages:
- Quick refueling in under 3 minutes
- Enhanced performance in cold conditions (-18° to +4°)
- 10-year fuel cell lifespan (double that of traditional batteries)
- Reduced accident risk compared to lead-acid battery changes
PLUG will provide its complete GenKey ecosystem, including fuel cells, GenFuel infrastructure, green hydrogen supply, and ongoing service for both locations.
STEF Group, leader europeo nella logistica alimentare a temperatura controllata, ha lanciato due progetti sull'idrogeno con Toyota Material Handling Europe e Plug Power (PLUG) in Francia e Spagna. L'iniziativa prevede l'implementazione di carrelli elevatori a idrogeno presso le strutture di stoccaggio a freddo ad Athis-Mons, in Francia, e a Torrejón de Ardoz, in Spagna.
Il sito francese utilizza idrogeno verde consegnato, mentre la struttura spagnola produce idrogeno in loco utilizzando un elettrolizzatore alimentato da un impianto solare da 2,9 MWp installato sul tetto. Il progetto comprende 48 carrelli elevatori ad Athis-Mons e 67 a Torrejón de Ardoz.
I carrelli elevatori a celle a combustibile a idrogeno offrono diversi vantaggi:
- Rifornimento rapido in meno di 3 minuti
- Prestazioni migliorate in condizioni di freddo (-18° a +4°)
- Durata della cella a combustibile di 10 anni (il doppio rispetto alle batterie tradizionali)
- Ridotto rischio di incidenti rispetto ai cambi delle batterie al piombo
PLUG fornirà il suo completo ecosistema GenKey, inclusi celle a combustibile, infrastruttura GenFuel, fornitura di idrogeno verde e servizio continuo per entrambe le sedi.
STEF Group, líder europeo en logística de alimentos controlados por temperatura, ha lanzado dos proyectos de hidrógeno con Toyota Material Handling Europe y Plug Power (PLUG) en Francia y España. La iniciativa implica la implementación de carretillas elevadoras impulsadas por hidrógeno en instalaciones de almacenamiento en frío en Athis-Mons, Francia, y Torrejón de Ardoz, España.
El sitio francés utiliza hidrógeno verde entregado, mientras que la instalación española produce hidrógeno en el lugar utilizando un electrolizador alimentado por una planta solar de 2,9 MWp en el techo. El proyecto incluye 48 carretillas elevadoras en Athis-Mons y 67 en Torrejón de Ardoz.
Las carretillas elevadoras de pilas de combustible de hidrógeno ofrecen varias ventajas:
- Reabastecimiento rápido en menos de 3 minutos
- Rendimiento mejorado en condiciones frías (-18° a +4°)
- Vida útil de la pila de combustible de 10 años (el doble que las baterías tradicionales)
- Menor riesgo de accidentes en comparación con el cambio de baterías de plomo-ácido
PLUG proporcionará su ecosistema completo GenKey, que incluye pilas de combustible, infraestructura GenFuel, suministro de hidrógeno verde y servicio continuo para ambas ubicaciones.
STEF Group는 온도 조절 식품 물류 분야의 유럽 선두주자로서 Toyota Material Handling Europe 및 Plug Power (PLUG)와 함께 프랑스와 스페인에서 두 개의 수소 프로젝트를 시작했습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 프랑스 아티스 몽스와 스페인 토레혼 데 아르도즈에 있는 냉동 창고 시설에 수소로 구동되는 지게차를 도입하는 것을 포함합니다.
프랑스 사이트는 공급된 녹색 수소를 사용하며, 스페인 시설은 2.9 MWp의 태양광 발전소에서 전력을 공급받는 전해조를 사용하여 현장에서 수소를 생산합니다. 이 프로젝트에는 아티스 몽스에서 48대, 토레혼 데 아르도즈에서 67대의 지게차가 포함됩니다.
수소 연료전지 지게차는 여러 가지 장점을 제공합니다:
- 3분 이내의 빠른 연료 보급
- 차가운 조건에서 향상된 성능 (-18°에서 +4°까지)
- 10년의 연료전지 수명 (전통적인 배터리의 두 배)
- 납산 배터리 교체에 비해 사고 위험 감소
PLUG는 두 위치 모두에 대해 연료 전지, GenFuel 인프라, 녹색 수소 공급 및 지속적인 서비스를 포함한 완전한 GenKey 생태계를 제공합니다.
STEF Group, leader européen dans la logistique alimentaire à température contrôlée, a lancé deux projets d'hydrogène avec Toyota Material Handling Europe et Plug Power (PLUG) en France et en Espagne. L'initiative implique la mise en œuvre de chariots élévateurs à hydrogène dans des installations de stockage frigorifique à Athis-Mons, en France, et à Torrejón de Ardoz, en Espagne.
Le site français utilise de l'hydrogène vert livré, tandis que l'installation espagnole produit de l'hydrogène sur site à l'aide d'un électrolyseur alimenté par une centrale solaire de 2,9 MWp installée sur le toit. Le projet comprend 48 chariots élévateurs à Athis-Mons et 67 à Torrejón de Ardoz.
Les chariots élévateurs à hydrogène offrent plusieurs avantages :
- Ravitaillement rapide en moins de 3 minutes
- Performance améliorée dans des conditions froides (-18° à +4°)
- Durée de vie de la pile à hydrogène de 10 ans (le double de celle des batteries traditionnelles)
- Réduction du risque d'accidents par rapport aux changements de batteries au plomb
PLUG fournira son écosystème complet GenKey, y compris les piles à hydrogène, l'infrastructure GenFuel, l'approvisionnement en hydrogène vert et un service continu pour les deux sites.
STEF Group, europäischer Marktführer in der temperaturkontrollierten Lebensmittellogistik, hat zwei Wasserstoffprojekte mit Toyota Material Handling Europe und Plug Power (PLUG) in Frankreich und Spanien gestartet. Die Initiative umfasst die Implementierung von wasserstoffbetriebenen Gabelstaplern in Kühlhäusern in Athis-Mons, Frankreich, und Torrejón de Ardoz, Spanien.
Der französische Standort nutzt gelieferten grünen Wasserstoff, während die spanische Anlage Wasserstoff vor Ort mit einem von einer 2,9 MWp großen Solaranlage auf dem Dach betriebenen Elektrolyseur produziert. Das Projekt umfasst 48 Gabelstapler in Athis-Mons und 67 in Torrejón de Ardoz.
Die Wasserstoff-Brennstoffzellen-Gabelstapler bieten mehrere Vorteile:
- Schnelles Tanken in unter 3 Minuten
- Verbesserte Leistung bei kalten Bedingungen (-18° bis +4°)
- 10 Jahre Lebensdauer der Brennstoffzelle (doppelt so lang wie bei herkömmlichen Batterien)
- Verringerte Unfallgefahr im Vergleich zu Blei-Säure-Batteriewechseln
PLUG wird sein komplettes GenKey-Ökosystem bereitstellen, einschließlich Brennstoffzellen, GenFuel-Infrastruktur, Lieferung von grünem Wasserstoff und fortlaufendem Service für beide Standorte.
- Expansion into European market with two major cold storage facilities
- Implementation of complete GenKey ecosystem solution
- Large-scale deployment of 115 hydrogen-powered forklifts
- On-site green hydrogen production capability in Spain using solar power
- None.
Insights
This partnership marks a notable commercial win for Plug Power as it expands its European presence in the material handling sector. The deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology across 115 forklifts (48 in France and 67 in Spain) for STEF Group demonstrates continued market traction in Plug's core business segment.
The deal's strategic value lies in its comprehensive nature - Plug is delivering its complete GenKey ecosystem including fuel cells, infrastructure, hydrogen supply, and ongoing service. Particularly significant is the on-site electrolyzer installation at the Spanish facility, creating an integrated green hydrogen production and consumption system powered by a 2.9 MWp solar array.
STEF represents an ideal use case for hydrogen technology, as cold storage environments (-18°C to +4°C) create challenging conditions for traditional batteries. The cited 3-minute refueling time and 10-year fuel cell lifespan address specific operational pain points in logistics operations where equipment downtime directly impacts productivity.
The partnership with Toyota Material Handling Europe adds credibility, as Toyota already services 6,000 STEF forklifts across Europe. This established relationship could facilitate future expansion if this initial implementation proves successful. For Plug Power, securing implementation partnerships with industry leaders helps validate their technology in real-world commercial applications, potentially opening doors to further European market penetration.
This deployment represents a textbook application where hydrogen fuel cells deliver operational advantages over battery alternatives. Cold storage facilities present particularly challenging conditions for traditional batteries, with performance degradation at low temperatures. Hydrogen fuel cells maintain consistent power output across STEF's operating temperature range (-18°C to +4°C), addressing a specific technological pain point.
The project architecture differs interestingly between the two sites. The French implementation uses delivered hydrogen, while the Spanish site features on-site production via an electrolyzer powered by rooftop solar. This dual approach demonstrates Plug's flexibility in deployment models based on local conditions and infrastructure.
The Spanish site's integration of 2.9 MWp solar generation with hydrogen production creates a compelling microgrid system, effectively storing intermittent solar energy as hydrogen for on-demand use. This approach aligns with STEF's Moving Green initiative targeting 100% low-carbon energy in buildings by 2025.
From a technical perspective, the quick refueling capability (less than 3 minutes) eliminates the operational complexities of battery swapping in high-utilization environments. The stated 10-year fuel cell lifespan (double that of traditional batteries) improves the total cost of ownership equation, though upfront capital costs remain higher than battery alternatives.
This implementation showcases how sector-specific applications where hydrogen offers distinct advantages over batteries can drive commercial adoption despite broader challenges in the hydrogen economy.
SLINGERLANDS, N.Y., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STEF Group, European leader in transport and logistics services for temperature-controlled food products, has recently launched two hydrogen projects with Toyota Material Handling Europe, a supplier of hydrogen fuel cell material handling equipment, and Plug Power, a provider of end-to-end green hydrogen solutions. The two projects are located in Athis-Mons, France and Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain. This initiative marks a significant step towards developing a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem that integrates H2 production and H2-powered material handling equipment.
Focus on the two hydrogen projects
STEF is incorporating green hydrogen to power its forklift at two of its sites: a transport platform in Athis-Mons close to Paris, France, and a logistics warehouse in Torrejón de Ardoz, near Madrid, Spain.
The project in France uses green H2 produced with renewable energy and delivered on site.
In Spain, the H2 is produced on site using an electrolyser - a device that uses electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity to power the electrolyser is generated by the 2.9 MWp photovoltaic rooftop plant, enabling consumption of green and locally produced Hydrogen.
The benefits of hydrogen for forklift
By using hydrogen fuel cell technology, STEF can potentially improve its forklift operator productivity.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer particularly good performance under STEF's operating conditions (from -18° to +4°): increased operational productivity over a longer period, unlike conventional batteries.
Hydrogen-powered forklifts can be quickly refilled, in less than 3 minutes, reducing the risk of accidents associated with lead-acid battery change. They also offer more comfort to STEF’s collaborators in trans dock activities.
On average, a hydrogen fuel cell lasts 10 years, twice as long as traditional batteries. Contributing to reducing the environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
Hydrogen as an energy carrier and fuel cells as a power solution offer many advantages when it comes to material handling operations and they can support the roadmap to decarbonise material handling operations.
These two projects are part of STEF's Moving Green climate initiative, one of whose objectives is to use
Toyota provides compatible fuel cell-ready forklifts.
Toyota Material Handling Europe is a historic supplier of STEF. In Europe, Toyota currently services 6,000 STEF forklifts.
As part of this joint initiative, Toyota Material Handling Europe will provide STEF with compatible fuel cell-ready forklift models. These forklifts will be tailored to the specific need of STEF's sites.
They are designed and manufactured with a focus on operator safety and comfort.
The two projects start off with setting up 48 forklifts in Athis-Mons and 67 foklifts in Torrejón de Ardoz cold store sites.
Plug Power
Plug Power (Plug) is a leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen solutions, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, hydrogen production, storage, and refueling infrastructure, designed to enable the global transition to green energy across industries.
Plug is deploying its hydrogen-powered solutions for STEF at two of its cold storage sites: Athis-Mons and Torrejón de Ardoz. With these projects, STEF joins Plug’s network of clients.
For both of these projects, Plug will provide STEF with its full GenKey ecosystem—hydrogen fuel cells, GenFuel infrastructure, green hydrogen supply, and ongoing service.
At the Torrejón de Ardoz site, Plug has provided an electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen on-site using renewable energy, showcasing the integration of advanced technology into STEF’s logistics strategy. This partnership demonstrates the benefits of Plug’s solutions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling sustainable logistics for the food supply chain.
This collaboration also expands Plug’s footprint in Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Marie, media relations manager, STEF Group
E-mail: catherine.marie@stef.com
Tel: +33 6 35 23 10 88
Everaerts Lieselotte, Strategic Marketing Manager, Toyota Material Handling Europe
E-mail: lieselotte.everaerts@toyota-industries.eu
Tel: +32 3 302 3245, +32 498 69 73 92
Fatimah Nouilati, Plug Power Media Contact
Email : plugPR@allisonpr.com
About STEF Group - www.stef.com
STEF is a pure player in the food supply chain. Its mission is to supply populations with food products. This major responsibility is backed by a rich history spanning more than 100 years. Today, STEF brings together a wealth of expertise, making it the European leader in temperature-controlled transport, logistics and packaging services dedicated to food products. With its customers in industry, retail and out-of-home catering, STEF works to build an ever more agile and connected supply chain in response to changing consumption patterns and the transformation of distribution channels, from convenience stores to superstores and e-commerce. Its 2022-2026 strategic plan “Committed to a sustainable future” places “care” at the heart of its relations with all its internal and external stakeholders, as well as at the center of its climate approach. STEF has 25,000 employees and more than 300 sites in 8 European countries. In 2024, STEF generated sales of 4.8 billion euros.
About Blue EnerFreeze - www.blue-enerfreeze.com
Blue EnerFreeze is the energy subsidiary of STEF Group, the European leader in temperature-controlled transport, logistics and packaging services dedicated to food products. Created in 2018, Blue EnerFreeze supports the Group's European sites in the supply of secure, optimized and sustainable refrigeration energy.
About Toyota Material Handling Europe
Toyota Material Handling Europe is the European headquarters of Toyota Material Handling Group, which is part of Toyota Industries Corporation – the global leader in material handling equipment. It provides businesses of all sizes, in more than 30 European countries, with a full range of counterbalanced forklift trucks, BT warehouse equipment/services, added-value solutions and innovations. Over
About Plug – www.plugpower.com
Plug Power is building the global hydrogen economy with a fully integrated ecosystem spanning production, storage, delivery, and power generation. A first mover in the industry, Plug Power provides electrolyzers, liquid hydrogen, fuel cell systems, storage tanks, and fueling infrastructure to industries such as material handling, industrial applications and energy producers—advancing energy independence and decarbonization at scale.
With electrolyzers deployed across five continents, Plug Power leads in hydrogen production, delivering large-scale projects that redefine industrial power. The company has deployed over 72,000 fuel cell systems and 275 fueling stations and is the largest user of liquid hydrogen. Plug Power is rapidly expanding its generation network to ensure a reliable, domestically produced hydrogen supply. With plants already operational in Georgia and Tennessee, and Louisiana set to come online in 2025, Plug Power’s total production capacity is on track to reach 39 tons per day.
With employees and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the globe, Plug Power powers global leaders like Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, BMW, and BP.
Plug Power Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve significant risks and uncertainties about Plug Power Inc. (“Plug”), including but not limited to statements about Plug’s partnership with STEF; Plug’s deployment of its hydrogen-powered solutions and provision of its GenKey ecosystem and ongoing services; STEF’s potential improvement in operational productivity, potential advantages Hydrogen offers concerning material handling operations and potential expansion of Plug’s footprint in Europe. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Plug in general, see Plug’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of Plug’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and Plug undertakes no obligation to update such statements as a result of new information
For more information, visit www.plugpower.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc8fddbe-75c9-448b-a6b4-6359a831832f
FAQ
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