There was a time when the term “fuel cell” was linked almost exclusively with America’s space program. The fuel cells in space used hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity for manned spacecraft, with the side benefit of producing drinking water. Few people will forget the near loss of Apollo 13 when a short circuit ignited oxygen inside a fuel cell tank. The resulting explosion crippled the craft, which eventually made it back to earth thanks to a level of creativity and intensity on the part of the crew and ground support personnel that can only be described as heroic. But fuel cells were around long before all that, and are now taking on a major role in more down-to-earth applications.

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert a fuel, such as methanol or hydrogen, into electricity without burning. The principle behind the

Air Products Inc. (NSYE: APD) is a global leader in hydrogen fueling infrastructure and technology, seeking methods to generate an eco-friendly, energy efficient hydrogen powered vehicles. The company today announced it will install indoor hydrogen fueling infrastructure to more than 200 fuel cell-powered lift trucks for Central Grocers’ distribution center in Illinois, which is expected to commence operations by the first quarter of 2009.

“The operational and environmental benefits of hydrogen powered materials handling management systems will be very evident from day one,” Tom Joseph, business development manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products stated in the press release. “Look no further than Joliet, Illinois, for a true indication of the positive results of the hydrogen economy that many people have talked about. We are pleased to be collaborating with Plug Power at this site, and congratulate Central Grocers for its leadership in seeking alternative energy solutions.”

Air Products’