Hydrogen is currently in use at a UK Royal Air Force (RAF) base as the Defence Support organisation carries out trials on this energy carrier to reduce the carbon footprint of its Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicle charging.
RAF Leeming, located in North Yorkshire, has introduced a GeoPura hydrogen power unit (HPU) in the initial phase of a trial. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Road Transport (SRT) program, aiming to transition the UK's Defence to a fully zero-emissions vehicle fleet by the conclusion of 2027.
GeoPura's HPUs provide a standard three-phase 400V electric power output of 250kVA. Presented in the form of a portable 20ft shipping container, these units can be equipped with charging stations, thereby establishing temporary or permanent electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities that are independent of the grid.
While the currently deployed units at RAF Leeming offer grid-independent charging, there is an anticipation that this trial could shed light on the potential role of hydrogen within the UK's Defence strategy.
Air Vice Marshal Richard Hill, Director of Defence Support Major Programmes, commented, "This trial will enhance our understanding of hydrogen's contribution to Defence's future energy composition. Using hydrogen to power a portion of our white fleet electric vehicles represents a significant advancement in accessing a broader array of sustainable energy sources."
Group Captain Ange Baker, Head of Support Futures and Operational Energy Authority at the Defence Support organization, added, "Initiating this trial for rapid recharging of our electric vehicle fleet is a crucial step. This not only supports the existing charging infrastructure and our electric vehicle fleet but also contributes to the broader effort of exploring future energy possibilities for military use and adapting Defence to the global energy transition."
Beyond EV charging, the Defence Support organisation will also delve into various applications of hydrogen within Defence operations, encompassing hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Rebecca McLean, Chief Commercial Officer at GeoPura, expressed, "GeoPura is pleased to assist RAF Leeming and the MOD in providing off-grid charging for their expanding EV fleet as part of the wider SDR program. Hydrogen-powered generators offer a dependable and environmentally friendly power source devoid of harmful emissions, without limitations imposed by the grid."
Group Captain Gareth Prendergast, RAF Leeming Station Commander, remarked, "The GeoPura system enables us to demonstrate this concept at RAF Leeming, assessing its potential to enhance resilience at our bases and impact operations both domestically and internationally."
The UK Government has revealed plans to trial the HPUs at HMNB Devonport of the Royal Navy and Merville Barracks in Colchester for the Royal Army.
Since its commencement in 2019, GeoPura has deployed a range of its HPUs in prominent applications across the UK. These systems deliver clean, off-grid power to segments such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, BBC broadcasts, National Grid substations, power plants, and construction sites.
In February of this year (2023), the company announced a successful capital raise of £36 million, garnering support from key industrial and financial players, including Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and Siemens Energy Ventures.
