Hydrogen generator fuels success for HS2
26 July 2022
An HS2 construction site in London has held successful trials for two zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-based electricity generators to reduce carbon and improve air quality for workers and the local community.
The two GeoPura 250kVA hydrogen power units (HPUs) were trialled over the last year at a location in Ealing as a direct replacement for diesel generators to power site machinery.
Tested and commissioned on site in August 2021 by HS2’s mains work civils contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV), the trial shows that the products are capable of producing the required energy to power equipment required for site operations, says the company.
Andrea Davidson, HS2’s Air Quality Manager said: “With no harmful pollutants, the technology brings major air quality benefits to the workforce and local communities around construction sites.”
The HPUs provide 100 per cent renewable and emission-free power derived from a hydrogen fuel cell, with output capabilities ranging from 20kW to 2MW. They use green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, and data from the trial showed that running the units for 400 hours eliminated approximately 51 tonnes of carbon compared against using standard diesel generators.
The system is also quieter and the only emission is water. A hydrogen tube trailer and hydrogen canisters were used to fuel the generator.
Andrew Cunningham, managing director of GeoPura, said: “This initial trial at HS2 successfully demonstrates the capability of our HPUs 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.”
