Plug Power to build refuelling system for hydrogen-powered mine haul truck

Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ:PLUG) has been selected to build a custom refuelling system for a project to convert a regular diesel-fuelled mine haul truck into one that runs on hydrogen.

French power utility Engie SA (EPA:ENGI) is developing the truck with mining multinational Anglo American plc (LON:AAL) and has chosen Plug Power to join the project.

The US hydrogen and fuel cell technology company said Tuesday its role would be to build a full compression, storage and dispensing system to service the new vehicle. The resulting solution will have an expected output of 1,000 kg per day, making it the largest refuelling system the company has ever built, Plug Power highlighted.

As Engie previously announced, the French company will provide the hydrogen generation solution, while Anglo American will develop the new vehicle by modifying an existing 300-metric-tonne mine haul truck. Solar power at Anglo American’s mining site will be used to produce hydrogen.

Plug Power said the first fuelling of the hydrogen-powered truck is planned for the second half of 2020. The new vehicle will go through a testing and validation programme at a platinum group metals (PGMs) mine in South Africa.

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