Trials on hydrogen generator completed

HS2 construction site in London has held successful trials for two zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-based electricity generators – cutting carbon and improving air quality for workers and the local community.

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.

The two GeoPura 250kVA hydrogen power units (HPUs) were trialled over the last year at HS2’s Victoria Road Crossover Box in Ealing, as a direct replacement for diesel generators to power machinery on the site.

The hydrogen power units provide 100% renewable and emission free power derived from a hydrogen fuel cell, with power capabilities ranging from 20kW through to 2MW. They use 100% green hydrogen produced from renewable energy, and data from the trial showed that running the units for 400 hours eliminated around 51 tonnes of carbon compared to using standard diesel generators.

They are also quieter than standard diesel generators and the only emission is water which is so clean it’s drinkable. A hydrogen tube trailer and hydrogen cannisters were used to fuel the generator.