Lidl Opens Europe’s First Logistics Platform to Use Renewable Hydrogen

(Lidl/Lhyfe/Plug Power/NGV Journal) As part of its energy transition, the grocery store chain Lidl has opened its new logistics platform in Carquefou (Loire-Atlantique, France). Working in association with expert firms such as Lhyfe and Plug Power, Lidl has introduced a fleet of warehouse trucks running on renewable green hydrogen.

Over the last 10 years and more, Lidl has invested to modernize its infrastructure and improve its environmental performance. In 2021, the chain decided that the handling and lifting vehicles of its Carquefou site would be powered by green hydrogen. The site in Carquefou, north of Nantes, is the first logistics platform to choose green hydrogen for the running of its warehouse trucks. Some 98 units (80% of the logistics fleet) have been running on renewable green hydrogen since January 2022.

Lidl sources its green hydrogen from Lhyfe, a pioneer in the production of hydrogen from renewable and local energy sources, since the Lhyfe plant is located a few dozen kilometers from Carquefou. The availability of this hydrogen, which is produced from seawater and renewable electricity, was the condition for carrying out this project which avoids using fossil fuels or electricity to power the vehicles. Lidl thus has a local energy solution that combines ecological advantages and logistics performance.

To accompany Lidl in the realization of this project, Lhyfe, Plug Power, HRS and Jungheinrich worked together closely to provide a tailor-made solution adapted to the needs of the Carquefou platform (preparation of classified installation application, design and implementation of indoor and outdoor equipment, adaptation of vehicles for hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen needs forecast, etc.).

Lidl is also studying the possibility of developing green hydrogen as a solution to optimize its logistics and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In the medium term, Lidl plans to deploy green hydrogen trucks at other logistics platforms or even use it to power part of its fleet of delivery trucks.

“Lidl is proud to be opening in Carquefou the first logistics platform in Europe to operate with green hydrogen thanks to its partners Plug Power, which adapted the warehouse trucks, and Lhyfe whose green hydrogen production plant is 75 kilometres from our site. With 98 warehouse trucks in operation and a delivery truck to come in 2022, Lidl believes in the future of green hydrogen for optimizing its logistics and lowering its CO2 emissions in keeping with its commitments,” said Gregory Podda, Head of Logistics, Lidl France.

“Hydrogen technology for handling vehicles is mature, deployed at 165 sites around the world and on more than 50,000 machines for the productivity gains that it brings. For the first time, the hydrogen used here is green, renewable hydrogen – Lidl is developing a more sustainable energy model. This Carquefou site integrates economic aspects and ambitious environmental objectives,” commented Julien Saleix, Regional Sales Manager, Plug Power.

“We are delighted with this partnership, which perfectly illustrates the multiple business interests – both in terms of responsibility and practicality – in switching to renewable green hydrogen. Following the transportation industry and public operators, Lidl is paving the way for renewable hydrogen in the world of logistics, transport and the private sector. This is a very promising turning point for energy transition,” added Matthieu Guesné, CEO and founder of Lhyfe. READ MORE