The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has successfully introduced and utilised hydrogen on military bases to generate electricity to recharge electric cars and vans using rapid chargers.
While hydrogen is already 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.
The MoD completed the trial in partnership with GeoPura.
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.
"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." said Air Vice-Marshal Rich Pratley, MoD Senior Responsible Owner for this project.
He added: "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."
HPUs 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.
"GeoPura HPUs and supply of green hydrogen provide a seamless solution to these challenges," explained Matt Barney, chief hydrogen business officer at GeoPura.
"By harnessing the power of green hydrogen, our generators ensure rapid charging with zero harmful emissions, completely unrestricted by grid limitations.
“This not only facilitates the widespread adoption of EVs but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future for Defence operations on a wider scale. One that protects the health of both its people at the future of the planet,” Barney added.
The HPUs provided a mix of AC and fast 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 and reduce emissions on a wider scale.
GeoPura will leverage insights gained from the trial to drive ongoing research and development efforts, including the development of smaller, more mobile hydrogen systems suited for shorter deployments, as well as larger, more power-dense systems to meet the diverse needs of the operations both in the UK and abroad.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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