Two GeoPura 250kVA hydrogen power units have been trialled over the last 12 months at HS2’s Victoria Road Crossover Box in Ealing and have been tested as a direct replacement for diesel generators which power machinery for the site.

The hydrogen power units provide many environmental benefits such as reducing carbon and improving air quality for the workforce and the local area.

August 2021 saw the units tested and commissioned on the site by HS2’s mains work civil contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG with the trials revealing that the generators are able to create the energy required to run equipment for use with site operations.

Andrea Davidson, HS2’s Air Quality Manager said: “This is another example of how HS2 is driving change in the industry by trialling alternative fuel innovations, which will help us develop a thriving low carbon hydrogen sector in the UK and work towards a cleaner, greener energy system.

“With no harmful pollutants, the technology brings major air quality benefits to the workforce and local communities around construction sites, something which is vitally important to HS2 across the whole project.”

The hydrogen power units will provide 100% renewable and emission-free power from a hydrogen fuel cell which is capable of powering from 20kW to 2MW. Using 100% green hydrogen produced from renewable energy, the data from the trial shows that using the generators for 400 hours cut approximately 51 tonnes of carbon if compared to a standard diesel generator. HS2 recently revealed that its Canterbury Road Vent Shaft Site in South Kilburn is its first to become completely diesel-free and which marks a major green milestone for the project. 

The units also benefit from being quieter than a regular diesel generator and only emit water which is clean enough to drink. A hydrogen tube trailer and hydrogen canisters were used to fuel the generator.

The trial is supported via HS2’s innovation programme which has already seen industry recognition and also won the ‘Best Use of Technology Award’ at the 2022 Construction News Awards.

James Richardson, MD of SCS JV said: “SCS JV is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by identifying innovations to power our site operations, such as trialling this hydrogen fuel cell at our Victoria Road crossover box site. We are striving to be diesel-free across all our sites by 2023 and recently announced our first diesel-free site at Canterbury Road.”

Andrew Cunningham, Managing Director of GeoPura, said: “This initial trial at HS2 successfully demonstrates the capability of our Hydrogen Power Units in such challenging applications. The units are particularly valuable in inner city sites such as this, as they not only reduce the CO2 impact of the works but also eliminate harmful NOx, particulate, and noise emissions, making the site a better neighbour in the local community.

“It’s great to be working with such innovative, forward-thinking companies who are taking action to reduce their environmental impact by setting bold diesel-free targets. We look forward to continuing to work with SCS JV and HS2 to help them achieve these goals.”