The trial forms part of M&S’ ongoing Plan A Initiative which sets out a number of sustainability ambitions, including a target of sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable sources.
As part of its latest project, the retail giant aims to deliver zero emission vehicles with a two minute refuel time to the M&S fleet, in a bid to further boost its carbon reductions.
The six-week trial will see M&S use the ITM Power hydrogen fuel platform to generate hydrogen, as a direct substitute for part of the existing battery powered fleet. The vehicles will be deployed at M&S’ 1.1m sq ft Prologis Park distribution centre in Bradford.
M&S director of IT and logistics Darrell Stein, said the technology has the “potential to drive significant carbon reductions from our warehouse operations”.
He added: “If we’re to achieve our ambitious goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer then we must continue to innovate and push the boundaries in every part of our business”.
ITM Power chief executive Graham Cooley, said: “The involvement of companies such as M&S is essential to developing commercially viable hydrogen solutions for the materials handling industry. We are extremely pleased to be conducting this trial with M&S who continue to lead the way for sustainable technology deployment.”
Carys Matthews