British Army Trials Hydrogen Power for EV Fleet: Paving the Way for Future Energy Solutions
Key Ideas
- British Army successfully completed trials of hydrogen fuelled charging facilities for EVs, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
- Hydrogen Power Units provided reliable and environmentally friendly power, enabling rapid EV charging with zero harmful emissions, addressing high energy needs of the Army.
- The trial highlighted the benefits of hydrogen in overcoming grid capacity constraints, ensuring power availability in areas with delayed grid upgrades.
- Future initiatives focused on hydrogen as an energy system for Defence are planned, emphasizing the commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
In a collaborative effort, the British Army conducted trials of hydrogen fuelled charging facilities to power its electric vehicle fleet, starting in August 2023 across various Defence sites. The trial, initially planned for three locations, was later expanded to include two more sites, generating electricity to support 120,000 miles of travel. Using Hydrogen Power Units (HPU), hydrogen was converted into electricity to charge EVs efficiently. The HPUs not only provided a reliable and eco-friendly power source but also addressed the constraints of grid capacity, ensuring seamless charging in areas with grid limitations. This initiative, led by Defence Support in partnership with industry experts, GeoPura, showcased hydrogen as a key component of Defence Support's future energy mix. The successful trial has paved the way for upcoming initiatives centered on hydrogen as an energy system for Defence, reaffirming the commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Air Vice-Marshal Rich Pratley highlighted the potential of hydrogen in enabling the transition to zero-emissions energy and addressing challenges posed by the growing EV fleet. The positive outcomes of the trial will be recognized at the upcoming CiTTi Awards in 2024, celebrating achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure.