Hydrogen is being used at UK Royal Air Force (RAF) base as the Defence Support organisation trials the energy carrier in decarbonising its Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicle charging.
RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire has welcomed a GeoPura hydrogen power unit (HPU) in the first part of a trial, delivered in support of the Sustainable Road Transport (SRT) programme, as the UK’s Defence transitions to a fleet of zero-emissions vehicles by the end of 2027.
GeoPura’s HPUs provide 250kVA of standard three-phase 400V electric power. Coming in the form of a 20ft portable shipping container, the units can be supplied with charging posts to create temporary or permanent grid-independent EV charging facilities.
Although the deployed units at RAF Leeming are providing grid-independent charging, it is hoped the trail could also determine the role hydrogen might play in the UK’s defence.
“This trial will further our understanding of hydrogen’s place in Defence’s future energy mix,” said Air Vice Marshall Richard Hill, Director Defence Support Major Programmes. “Using hydrogen to power some of our white fleet electric vehicles is a significant step forward in accessing a broader range of sustainable energy sources.”
“It is an important step to start this trial for rapid recharging of our electric car fleet. Not only does this look at supporting the existing charging network and our electric car fleet but is also part of the wider work to examine future energy options for military use and to start configuring Defence for the global energy transition,” said Group Captain Ange Baker, Defence Support organisation’s Head Support Futures and Operational Energy Authority.
In addition to EV charging, the Defence Support organisation will be exploring how Defence can use hydrogen in other ways, including hydrogen-powered vehicles.
“GeoPura is delighted to support RAF Leeming and the MOD in delivering off-grid charging for its growing EV fleet as part of the wider SDR programme,” said Rebecca McLean, Chief Commercial Officer at GeoPura. “Hydrogen-powered generators provide a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power with zero harmful emissions, completely unrestricted by grid limitations.”
RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Gareth Prendergast, added, “The GeoPura system allows us to demonstrate the concept here at RAF Leeming and understand how it can increase resiliency on our bases and influence operations at home and overseas.”
The UK Government has said the HPUs will also be trialled at the Royal Navy’s HMNB Devonport and the Royal Army’s Merville Barracks in Colchester.
Having started in 2019, GeoPura has deployed a range of its HPUs across high-level applications in the UK offering clean, off-grid power to sections of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, BBC broadcasts, National Grid substations, power plants, and construction sites.
In February this year (2023), the company announced a capital raise of £36m, with the backing of industrial and financial majors such as Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and Siemens Energy Ventures.