Comtex LATHAM, N.Y., Jun 26, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) ----Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today announced it has been selected to provide 19 class 1 GenDrive fuel cell power units and two years of managed services for a demonstration project funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). Plug Power's GenDrive units will be commissioned at the U.S. Army's Forces Command in Fort Lewis, Washington where they will power a fleet of sit-down counterbalanced lift trucks.

The two-year project will study and assess the use of wastewater treatment plant digester gas as a hydrogen source for fuel cells. The hydrogen created will power the fuel cell forklifts used for heavy maintenance work at Fort Lewis.

Under the project, Plug Power will receive approximately $1.5 M in funding to supply 19 fuel cell units as well as expertise in system integration, training, service and support for 24 months. The GenDrive power units will be commissioned at Fort Lewis during the third quarter of 2010.

"When compared to lead acid batteries, Plug Power's GenDrive fuel cells offer customers proven economic, operational and environmental benefits," said Andy Marsh, CEO at Plug Power. "This Army site demonstration project will provide an opportunity to run our products under rigorous, real-world conditions, adding to the mounting evidence in support of the commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cells."

Five industry leaders will partner on the project:

   -- The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE): overall project management and administration

   -- Plug Power Inc.: provide 19 GenDrive power units for use in electric lift truck fleet

   -- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.: provide bulk hydrogen storage, compression and delivery

   -- Gas Technology Institute (GTI): supply a hydrogen generation reformer and gas clean up system for digester gas

   -- Proterra LLC: provide a fuel cell hybrid electric bus

This is the third in a series of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) pilot projects that demonstrate the economic, operational and environmental benefits of powering material handling equipment with fuel cells. The projects intend to build a strong infrastructure for hydrogen delivery and refueling, while collecting the necessary data for a business case analysis.