Southwire, a leading North American manufacturer of wire and cable, has partnered with Plug Power to implement a clean hydrogen ecosystem at its new distribution site in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
Under the agreement, Plug Power will supply Southwire with more than 50 hydrogen-powered forklifts equipped with GenDrive fuel cells, alongside a fueling station featuring four GenFuel dispensers. The hydrogen will be sourced from one of Plug’s production facilities in Georgia, Tennessee, or Louisiana. Additionally, Plug will provide on-site service for the fuel cells for five years and maintain the hydrogen infrastructure for a decade.
This initiative is expected to displace over 1 million pounds of CO2 annually from Southwire’s direct operations, aligning with the company’s broader sustainability goals. Southwire has embedded sustainability into its core strategy, focusing on energy and water efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable material sourcing, and circular economy practices.
Plug Power has long been a pioneer in the hydrogen economy, revolutionizing the material handling industry by replacing traditional batteries with fuel cells. These fuel cells offer consistent power, eliminate emissions, and enable 24/7 operations, maximizing productivity. However, the partnership with Southwire represents a strategic shift into the industrial sector, where hydrogen adoption has been slower due to high costs and infrastructure challenges.
Southwire’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its partnership with Plug Power. The collaboration serves as a test case for industrial decarbonization, demonstrating how hydrogen can be integrated into supply chain operations to reduce emissions. However, the long-term impact will depend on the ability to scale these solutions and address the economic and technical challenges of hydrogen adoption.
Stay updated on the latest in energy! Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for real-time news and insights. Don’t miss out on exclusive interviews and webinars—subscribe to our YouTube channel today! Join our community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy.
