November 10 — Sinopec’s Guangzhou Petrochemical complex has put its first five hydrogen-powered forklifts into service for resin warehousing and dispatch operations. The deployment marks the successful launch of a small-scale forklift replacement programme and establishes an integrated chain covering hydrogen production, refuelling and end-use applications.

Guangzhou Petrochemical is one of six pilot enterprises selected by Sinopec Group to promote the small-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered forklifts. The company established a dedicated project team in 2025 and upgraded its facilities by installing hydrogen refuelling equipment for fuel-cell forklifts at its fuel-cell-grade hydrogen supply centre. It also secured the necessary regulatory approvals, completing the preparations for full operational deployment.

Compared with conventional and battery-electric forklifts, hydrogen-powered models offer faster refuelling, longer operating times and lower operating costs. They produce only water as a by-product during operation, with no direct CO₂ emissions at the point of use. These characteristics make them suitable for intensive, continuous operations in warehouses, logistics facilities and manufacturing workshops.

The five forklifts can be refuelled on site, allowing them to operate within a closed-loop system at the plant. Each refuelling takes just five minutes, while the forklifts can operate continuously for more than four hours, significantly increasing productive operating time.

Looking ahead, Guangzhou Petrochemical plans to build on the demonstration deployment by leveraging its in-house supply of fuel-cell-grade hydrogen and its own refuelling station. Following the principle of “using hydrogen where suitable and electricity where appropriate”, the company will accelerate the wider deployment of hydrogen-powered forklifts across its facilities, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen-powered equipment to support the green transformation of industrial logistics.

Compiled from : China Energy News