Power Logistics and GeoPura test hydrogen genset

Theo Elmer, chief technical officer, GeoPura, Andy Welch, global hydrogen development manager, Extreme H and Craig Hardeman, innovation and sustainability development manager, Power Logistics, hold water created as a by-product of the HPU2

UK-based power rental company Power Logistics has partnered with fuel cell specialist GeoPura to develop a hydrogen generator system.

The system, known as HPU2, was tested at Siemens Energy’s facility in Newcastle and could soon be used by the Extreme H racing series, the first motorsport championship to use hydrogen-powered vehicles..

The trial integrated GeoPura’s hydrogen fuel cell technology with Power Logistics’ power management infrastructure. 

Each HPU2 unit generates 500kW of electricity, five times more than its predecessor, the HPU1. The companies said the units can operate alone or be scaled for larger energy needs.

Additionally, the HPU2 has a reduced footprint, lower weight, and a modular configuration with external battery support compared to the earlier models.

Power Logistics, which has supplied power to Extreme E since its inception, contributed to the development of the system by specifying a new external battery.

Manufactured by Greener Power Solutions, the battery is designed to handle higher and more variable loads and to support integration with solar and other renewables.

Craig Hardeman, Innovation and Sustainability Development Manager at Power Logistics, said, “We’ve come a long way from the initial design and implementation of a bespoke Energy Management Solution that incorporated an electrical package built specifically to its power requirements whilst achieving its sustainability goals.

“By effectively gathering and analysing data and incorporating new technologies such as solar and hydrogen power we’ve been able to make energy and carbon emission savings race on race. We’re excited to be involved in the next chapter.”

GeoPura’s CTO, Theo Elmer, said the system is designed for high-demand environments, adding that it is intended to meet energy needs reliably without using fossil fuels.

The generator uses green hydrogen, supplied by ENOWA, the championship’s hydrogen partner. Green hydrogen is produced with renewable energy and emits only water when used in the fuel cell.

While Extreme H will be the first live deployment, the partners see potential applications in temporary broadcast centres, construction sites, and large-scale live events. The trial is expected to provide operational data that could support wider commercial use of hydrogen systems in the rental market.