Here’s How the UK Is Using Hydrogen to Tackle Carbon on Job Sites

How GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Units Are Changing the Game at Job Sites

The HS2 Victoria Road Crossover Box site in West London is a hive of activity, with cranes, machinery, and workers all playing their part in building a high-speed railway connecting London to Birmingham. Yet, amid this lively scene, two white shipping containers have captured attention—not for their shape but for their quiet hum of innovation. These containers house GeoPura’s hydrogen power units (HPUs), a technology that may redefine how we think about energy on construction sites and beyond.

Hydrogen Power Units at Work

At their core, GeoPura’s HPUs are silent powerhouses. They rely on hydrogen fuel cells to provide reliable, emissions-free electricity. Unlike traditional diesel generators that spew CO2 and other pollutants, HPUs emit nothing but water vapor, offering a zero-emission alternative that appeals to sectors aiming to cut their carbon footprint.

The HS2 Victoria Road Crossover Box site is not an isolated case. GeoPura has deployed HPUs at several other locations, including HS2 sites in Aylesbury. They’ve also been utilized by major players like National Grid, BAM Nuttall, and Balfour Beatty. Beyond construction projects, the technology has been successfully tested in less likely settings, such as live events and even film productions, showcasing its versatility.

Behind the Technology

GeoPura’s HPUs are a blend of engineering precision and sustainable thinking. The hydrogen used by the units is produced via electrolysis—splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. This is what makes the hydrogen “green.” At GeoPura’s production sites in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, approximately six metric tons of green hydrogen are generated each week. The hydrogen is then transported to customers using a dedicated fleet of 80 tankers, ensuring availability for each deployment.

Image Credit: GeoPura

What sets GeoPura apart is the integration of production and deployment. Instead of relying solely on external fuel producers, the company has built its own small-scale electrolyzer network. “We’re essentially filling the gap,” said Matt Barney, GeoPura’s Chief Hydrogen Business Officer, emphasizing their commitment to scaling up within a still-developing market.

Recent Developments Highlight Growing Support

GeoPura has recently secured significant funding to fuel its growth. February 2024 saw the company raise $71 million from investors such as the UK Infrastructure Bank and Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, following an additional $28 million in debt funding in 2023. These funds will be used to expand their fleet of HPUs, aiming for 3,600 units by 2033, while also increasing green hydrogen production capacity across the UK.

Beyond that, GeoPura isn’t working in isolation. The competitive landscape features other companies exploring hydrogen power solutions, such as EODev (a French company deploying similar units) and AFC Energy, which has seen strong demand for its 30kW HPUs. This growing interest highlights a shared industry belief in hydrogen’s potential, even amid its challenges.

Why Hydrogen Is Necessary

Hydrogen technology isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s vital for meeting clean energy goals. Construction sites, data centers, and other energy-intensive industries have long relied on fossil fuels that contribute to global emissions. Transitioning to renewable electricity isn’t always feasible, especially for off-grid locations. Hydrogen, with its ability to store and deliver clean energy, fills that gap while offering flexibility.

However, hurdles remain. Hydrogen production and infrastructure are still in their early stages. According to Barney, fuel costs for hydrogen are higher than diesel, roughly $2.96 per liter compared to $2.04 per liter. This price difference makes contractors wary of adopting the technology at scale. Yet Barney likens the current moment to the early days of gasoline usage—a period when infrastructure was sparse but rapidly evolved due to demand.

The Road Ahead

The widespread adoption of hydrogen-based technologies will require reducing cost gaps and developing robust supply chains. GeoPura’s vision for a wider network of small-scale electrolyzers could go a long way in overcoming accessibility concerns. Nonetheless, there’s still a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma. Producers hesitate to expand due to uncertain market demand, while businesses hesitate due to infrastructure limitations.

Encouragingly, we’re starting to see timelines materialize. GeoPura’s expansion goals aim for full deployment by 2033, and other companies like AFC Energy and Hitachi Energy are entering the market with their own innovations. These efforts, combined with growing awareness of climate change’s urgency, could pave the way for faster adoption.

What This Means for Us Now

This isn’t just a story of futuristic energy systems—it’s a shift happening in real time. While broader infrastructure takes shape, companies and industries can start incorporating hydrogen solutions today. Deployment at construction sites, event spaces, or even temporary utility projects can show how this technology works while funding larger-scale rollouts.

For individuals concerned with sustainability, the use of hydrogen paradigms reminds us of a critical truth: no single technology will save us, but a diverse mix of solutions can. By supporting companies that innovate responsibly and asking governments for strategic investments, we can all play a part. The path may not be straightforward, but with hydrogen stepping up, it’s clear the direction leans toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.