ANAHEIM, CA - Myers Select Material Handling is doing their part to contribute to a cleaner environment. The forklift servicing company recently presented its hydrogen-combustion forklift at "The Future is Green" conference in Long Beach, Calif.

This is the machine’s North American debut, following its world premiere in Germany last spring.

The forklift, manufactured by Linde, doesn’t release any emissions, as the hydrogen-powered engine turns the fuel into water vapor. It holds 26 liters of hydrogen, equal to approximately 2.3 liters of useable diesel.

The reduction in air emissions meets the Port of Long Beach’s San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan, which aims to significantly reduce air pollution over the next five years. The Port of Long Beach accounts for 10 percent of the total emissions of diesel particulate matter in the South Coast Air Basin.

Forklifts currently account for 23 percent of all cargo handling equipment at the Port of Long Beach.

The hydrogen-powered forklift will not be available for purchase for at least another seven years, said Linde spokesman Dale Verseput. He cited high production costs as the main reason for the machine’s slow development.

“We are on the leading edge of forklift manufacturing,” Verseput said. “Our goal is to raise awareness in the production industry to allow these machines to be economically feasible. The greater number of companies that can make a commitment to hydrogen-powered technology, the cleaner our environment will be.”

When the hydrogen-powered model is made available, Myers Select will be the exclusive provider in the Southern California area.

“It is our goal to be in the leading forefront of technology that helps reduce toxic emissions in our community,” Rich Allen, president of Myers Select, said.