GeoPura and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are proud to announce the successful completion of a landmark hydrogen power trial. The trial successfully introduced and utilised hydrogen on military bases to generate electricity to recharge electric cars and vans using rapid chargers. While this energy solution is being used in the commercial environment, this is the first military application of the technology, marking a significant milestone in advancing alternative energy solutions for Defence.
Dates
October 2023 – September 2024
Location
Various MOD sites
Equipment
HPU & EV charging infrastructure
Download
Case Study
Key Metrics
CO2
30,701 kg
Saved
NOX
427.1 kg
Saved
PM
16.4 kg
Saved
Improvements to make
Challenges
- Insufficient grid capacity
- Highly secure locations within MOD sites
- Off-grid power supply needed in some areas for EV charging
How GeoPura helped
Solutions
- Zero Emission Energy: Unlike diesel generators, HPUs emit no pollutants
- World-leading Technology: Hydrogen generators provide high capacity power for rapid EV charging
- Hydrogen Expertise: Experienced and knowledgeable team to advise on the most suitable application
About the Project
Led by Defence Support within MOD, the trial focused on implementing an alternative Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) charging capability using zero-emission green hydrogen powered generators (HPUs) at five key MOD locations, including RAF Leeming, HMNB Devonport, Merville Barracks Colchester, HMS Excellent Portsmouth, and RAF Northolt.
Critical to the success of the trial was the deployment of GeoPura HPUs, which offer a highly reliable, always on, environmentally friendly source of power to support the limitless scaling of rapid electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging infrastructure. As the adoption of BEVs increases, insufficient grid capacity can impede expanding recharging needs. HPU removes these limitations, supplementing available grid power, or operating entirely off grid, enabling the MOD to meet expanding EV charging needs. The improvements that rapid charging has provided by the use of the HPUs has been especially beneficial to the MOD.
The HPUs provided a mix of AC and DC charging capabilities, operating at differing charging speeds to align with operational requirements, both completely off grid and supplementing existing grid capacity for long and short term durations over the course of the trial.
With approximately 120,000 miles driven in vehicles charged via the HPUs over the course of the trial, hydrogen has proven to be a robust, reliable and sustainable alternative to support increasing electricity demand within the forces.
Looking ahead, GeoPura is committed to furthering the use of hydrogen across Defence sites, understanding demand signals, developing regulations for military hydrogen use, and enhancing the training of personnel in handling hydrogen-based systems to decarbonise power use.
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Watch how our HPU works
See how we produce, store and transport our own green hydrogen for use in our HPUs that produce zero emission electricity for a range of off grid, temporary and back-up applications.
Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU) Technology
The original hydrogen-powered generator, fueled by green hydrogen. Proven, robust, and reliable, it delivers quiet, zero-emission power for a wide range of applications.
The Applications
Off-Grid Power
EV Charging
…This trial has demonstrated the potential of hydrogen as a key enabler of our transition to zero-emissions energy…
“In embracing innovative solutions like hydrogen power, the Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and as the trial has proved, to improving operational efficiency.
This trial has demonstrated the potential of hydrogen as a key enabler of our transition to zero-emissions energy, while also addressing the current challenges posed by our expanding electric vehicle fleet.”
Air Vice-Marshal Rich Pratley
MOD Senior Responsible Owner for this project.
Check out how we’ve powered the Isle of Wight Festival
GeoPura’s HPUs, hydrogen powered generators, replaced traditional diesel generators providing power to crew and artist catering and part of the guest village at Isle of Wight Festival.
