Hydrogen is being used at UK Royal Air Force (RAF) base as the Defence Support organisation trials the energy carrier in decarbonising its Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicle charging.

RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire has welcomed a GeoPura hydrogen power unit (HPU) in the first part of a trial, delivered in support of the Sustainable Road Transport (SRT) programme, as the UK’s Defence transitions to a fleet of zero-emissions vehicles by the end of 2027.

GeoPura’s HPUs provide 250kVA of standard three-phase 400V electric power. Coming in the form of a 20ft portable shipping container, the units can be supplied with charging posts to create temporary or permanent grid-independent EV charging facilities.

Although the deployed units at RAF Leeming are providing grid-independent charging, it is hoped the trail could also determine the role hydrogen might play in the UK’s defence.

“This trial will further our understanding of hydrogen’s place in Defence’s future energy mix,” said Air Vice Marshall Richard Hill, Director Defence Support Major Programmes. “Using hydrogen to power some of our white fleet electric vehicles is a significant step forward in accessing a broader range of sustainable energy sources.”