In a pan-Defence collaboration, the British Army has completed trials of hydrogen fuelled charging facilities to power the electric vehicle (EV) fleet.
Starting in August 2023, the trial was initially planned for three sites (RAF Leeming, Devonport Naval Base and Merville Barracks in Colchester).
It was later extended to include two more (HMS Excellent Portsmouth and RAF Northolt).
Generating enough electricity to power roughly 120,000 miles of travel, the trial provided learning on the use of hydrogen as a source of fuel in Defence Support’s future energy mix.
The trial used Hydrogen Power Units (HPU) to convert hydrogen into electricity, which is then harnessed to charge EVs via fast-charging posts.
The HPUs provided a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power, ensuring seamless rapid charging with zero harmful emissions – perfect for the Army’s high energy needs.
They also bypass the constraints of grid capacity, allowing MOD to provide power even in areas where grid upgrades are delayed or not feasible.
This work was a joint endeavour between Defence Support within Strategic Command, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Front Line Commands, delivered in partnership with industry experts, GeoPura.
Following the trials successful delivery, new initiatives focused on hydrogen as an energy system for Defence, are planned.
Assistant chief of defence staff (support operations), air vice-marshal Rich Pratley, said: “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 EV fleet.
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
