Department of Energy Award Will Retrofit Vehicles with Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cells
Oakland, Calif. – 2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — FedEx at the Oakland International Airport will receive tow tractors retrofitted with hydrogen powered fuel cells as announced by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer on October 31, 2012. Plug Power of New York will receive a $2.5 million award from the Department of Energy (DOE) to retrofit 15 electric tow tractors with hydrogen powered fuel cells. These tow tractors will be used at two of FedEx’s busiest airports, Memphis, TN and Oakland, CA. The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland. This award allows Plug Power to bring alternative energy solutions to airports and airport businesses for ground service equipment (GSE) that reduce fuel costs, air pollution, and reliance on diesel fuel. Fuel cells have the potential to provide cost savings (capital, operating, and maintenance costs) when used as an alternative to battery powered GSE. Retrofitted tractors will be in use in 2014.
Similar to the Port of Oakland, FedEx has demonstrated a commitment to be a leader in environmental stewardship at OAK as evidenced by:
• The solar panel system installed in 2005 atop the roof of the FedEx sorting facility and the five natural gas fuel cells put in place in 2010 together meet 80% of the facility’s energy needs.
• The use of hydrogen fuel cells which have helped reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuel.
• The use of Boeing 777F aircraft. The 777F is a twin engine aircraft that operates with lower emissions, better fuel efficiency, and a quieter noise profile that the three engine aircraft it replaces.
The 24-year partnership with between FedEx and OAK brings more than 1,400 jobs to the area, allows OAK to be a key shipping gateway to Asia and Australasia, and allows FedEx to be OAK’s largest cargo carrier. Looking to the future, FedEx has committed $30M at OAK to increase its sorting capacity and to accommodate the use of a Boeing 777F aircraft. “Partnerships with environmentally conscious companies such as FedEx, allow OAK to pursue its strategic goal of sustaining healthy communities through leading edge environmental stewardship,” said Kristi McKenney, Acting Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland. “We appreciate the commitment FedEx has made to grow its hub in OAK and it’s pursuit of innovative technologies to improve the environment.”
About FedEx: FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $43 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
About the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport
The Port of Oakland includes the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port generates more than 73,000 jobs in the region and is connected to nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland at www.portofoakland.com and Oakland International Airport through Facebook.com/iflyoak and Twitter.com/iflyoakland.
Contact: syamasaki@portoakland.com