HS2 has revealed that the two GeoPura 250kVa Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) had been trialled over the last year at the Victoria Road Crossover Box in Ealing, London, acting as a replacement for diesel generators to power onsite machinery.

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Running on 100% green hydrogen, HS2 has said data from the trial showed the 400 hour run time of the units eliminated approximately 51 tonnes of carbon emissions, while providing power capabilities ranging from 20kW to 2MW.

Tested by HS2’s mains work civil contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV), it is hoped the trail will encourage further decarbonisation of UK contraction sites with hydrogen.

Andrea Davidson, Air Quality Manager at HS2, commented, “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.”

The HS2 trial result come as another win for GeoPura’s technology, which in 2021, successfully powered an entire episode of BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s Winterwatch. On July 19 (2022), Octopus Hydrogen announced a deal with the firm to supply green hydrogen for its generators over the next 10 years.

Read more: World first: BBC completes broadcast powered by green hydrogen in the UK

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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.”