The Ministry of Defence has been trialling hydrogen fuelled charging facilities to power its electric vehicle fleet.

Starting in August 2023, the trial was initially planned for three sites (RAF Leeming, Devonport Naval Base and Merville Barracks in Colchester). It was later extended to include two more (HMS Excellent Portsmouth and RAF Northolt).

Of the trial, assistant chief of defence staff (support operations), Air Vice-Marshal Rich Pratley said: “In embracing innovative solutions like hydrogen power, the Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and as the trial has proved, to improving operational efficiency.”

The trial used Hydrogen Power Units (HPU) to convert hydrogen into electricity, which is then harnessed to charge electric vehicles via fast-charging posts. The HPUs provided a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power and also bypass the constraints of grid capacity, providing power even in areas where grid upgrades are delayed or not feasible.

The work was a joint endeavour between Defence Support within Strategic Command, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Front Line Commands (FLC), delivered in partnership with GeoPura.

Defence Support are now expanding the trials across other defence sites and are working with partners, such as DIO, to consider how Defence can use hydrogen in other ways.

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