As the hydrogen supply and refuelling partner for Element 1, GeoPura supplied low-carbon green hydrogen, a zeroemission hydrogen-powered generator, HPU, and an offgrid refuelling solution. These components were integral to the successful deployment of the dual-fuel excavators at Manchester’s Victoria North site, enabling on-site hydrogen refuelling where grid access was unavailable, allowing the construction site to transition away from diesel reliance while maintaining operational efficiency. This solution offset approximately 30% of diesel consumption per machine, proving that sustainable energy alternatives could provide reliable power without compromising performance.
GeoPura’s HPU also powered the site office and welfare facilities, allowing the team to remove the diesel generators traditionally used onsite and further cut carbon emissions. This holistic approach to power management underscored the potential for hydrogen-powered equipment to integrate seamlessly into construction sites, offering both environmental benefits and practicality.
Dates
October 2024 – January 2025
Location
Victoria North, Manchester
Equipment
1 x HPU 1 M + Hydrogen Refueller
Improvements to make
Challenges
- Decarbonising a construction site.
- Sustainable alternative to diesel generators needed for off-grid power.
- Off-grid hydrogen refuelling capability for modified plant and equipment.
How GeoPura helped
Solutions
- Development and deployment of off-grid capability for hydrogen refuelling of plant and equipment.
- Experienced teams on site to ensure reliable power supply.
- Low carbon hydrogen used to replace fossil fuel reliance for plant machinery onsite.
- GeoPura HPU utilised to provide zero emission power for construction site.
About the Project
Backed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Element 1 united expertise from partners including construction giants BAM UK & Ireland and Skanska, plant hire specialists Flannery Plant Hire and Plantforce, hydrogen solution providers GeoPura, ULEMCo, and Reynolds Logistics, and technical consultants from BRE and Constructing Excellence.
Together, they built an end-to-end hydrogen solution designed to enable existing diesel equipment to be retrofitted for dual-fuel operation, significantly reducing emissions.
The project, led by BAM UK & Ireland, brought together industry leaders from across construction, hydrogen, plant hire, and research sectors, showcasing the power of collaboration in achieving net-zero ambitions.
With four dual-fuel excavators fully operational and a hydrogen bowser in the final stages of testing, the Element 1 project has been gearing up to deploy hydrogen-powered machinery across multiple construction sites within reach of GeoPura’s green hydrogen production facility near Doncaster. Each site benefited from emissions reduction and improved air quality, underscoring the versatility and scalability of hydrogen fuel solutions in construction. The Element 1 project marked a significant leap toward decarbonising construction, and GeoPura was proud to be at the forefront, providing a clean, sustainable power solution that met the industry’s evolving needs.
Watch the video to find out more
Watch the video filmed on site at the demonstration day to hear from Tej Chadeesingh, the R&D Engineer leading the project at GeoPura.
Hydrogen Refuelling Technology
Hydrogen refuelling for vehicles, plant, and equipment. Hireable refuelling solution with low-carbon hydrogen supply, offering off-grid, rapid deployment with no permanent infrastructure required.
The Applications
Hydrogen Refuelling
Off-Grid Power
Check out how we’ve powered the BMW PGA Championship sustainably.
GeoPura has been proudly working with both FTVS and IMG to provide zero-emission power to a number of sporting events over the last two years.
Construction at GeoPura
Image featured:
Employees working on construction site, wearing protective equipment and discussing next construction phase
