At GeoPura, we are excited to unveil a giant step forward in the evolution of clean power technology: the HPU2. Building on the massive success and real-world deployment of our original Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU), the HPU2 represents a significant leap forward in power density, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Responding to market demand for more powerful, compact, and scalable solutions, our R&D engineers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop this second-generation unit.
The Evolution of the HPU: Why HPU2
The original HPU proved that hydrogen fuel cells could successfully replace diesel generators in demanding environments like the BBC’s Springwatch, HS2 construction sites, and major music festivals. However, as the global energy transition accelerates, the scale of power required has grown. Industries now need higher megawatt capacities but often face constraints regarding site space and logistics.
The HPU2 was born from this necessity. By doubling the fuel cell power and optimising every internal component, we have created a unit that delivers more “grunt” in a smaller, lighter package.
Key Features of the HPU2
Highest Power Density and Efficiency
With 500kW of fuel cell power, the HPU2 offers unmatched power density. This isn’t just about raw output; it’s about intelligent delivery. The unit features five repeating 100kW power modules, providing built-in redundancy and high efficiency across varying load profiles.
Unlike diesel generators, which become incredibly inefficient when running at low loads (often leading to “wet stacking”), the HPU2 maintains high electrical efficiency (~45–60%) whether it’s providing a trickle of power or running at full capacity. Furthermore, it syncs seamlessly with auxiliary supplies such as the national grid, original HPU1 units, existing battery systems, or even Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to provide peak shaving or grid augmentation.
Scalable Power Solutions
The HPU2 is designed to be a “building block” for the multi-megawatt era. While a single unit provides 500kW, they are designed to be deployed in 1MW, 2MW, or 4MW configurations (known as power blocks). For massive industrial requirements or grid-scale support, these systems can be paralleled to provide up to 50MW of resilient, clean power.
Lowest Possible Costs
At GeoPura, we believe sustainability must be commercially viable. From the selection of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell components to the streamlined construction process, every aspect of the HPU2 is optimised for cost-efficiency. Lower weight reduces transport costs, while simplified internal layouts reduce maintenance hours, ensuring that the total cost of ownership is lower than ever before.
Ease of Manufacture and Serviceability
Designed with simplicity in mind, the HPU2 ensures straightforward maintenance. By using modular internal systems, our technicians can service the unit with minimal downtime. The HPU2 is being mass-manufactured in the UK, in collaboration with Siemens Energy at their world-class facility in Newcastle. This partnership ensures industrial-grade reliability, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to meet the highest global standards.
Innovative Design and Deployment
Efficiency isn’t just about what happens inside the fuel cell; it’s about how the unit fits into your project’s logistics.
Form Factor: The HPU2 is housed in a standard ISO 20ft high-cube container. This is the gold standard for global logistics, ensuring the unit can be shipped via rail, sea, or road without special permits.
Weight: Despite doubling the power output of the previous generation, the total mass remains less than 10 tonnes (approx. 8,500kg with fluids). This is a game-changer for site delivery.
Transport: The unit can be deployed using standard 71TM HIAB equipment (lorry-mounted cranes). This eliminates the need for expensive, heavy-duty mobile cranes on most sites, further reducing set-up costs and complexity.
Resilience: Built to operate in the harshest environments, the HPU2 is rated for ambient temperatures ranging from -10°C to +40°C. Whether it’s a winter construction project in Scotland or a summer festival in Southern Europe, the power remains stable.
Industrial Applications: Powering Every Sector
The HPU2 isn’t just a generator; it’s a versatile energy hub. Because its only emissions are pure water and heat, it unlocks possibilities that diesel simply cannot touch.
EV Charging Hubs
As the UK transitions to electric vehicles, the grid often cannot keep up with the demand for rapid chargers. The HPU2 can be supplied with integrated charging posts to create a temporary or permanent grid-independent EV charging facility. This allows fleet operators and service stations to scale their charging infrastructure years before a grid upgrade is scheduled.
Data Centres
Data centres require 100% uptime. The HPU2’s integrated battery system acts as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), providing an instant response to load changes or grid failures. By using hydrogen, data centre operators can eliminate the carbon-heavy practice of testing diesel backup generators, moving closer to their net-zero goals without risking their “five nines” reliability.
Film, TV, and Festivals
The entertainment industry demands silence. At less than 65dB at 1 metre, the HPU2 is significantly quieter than an equivalent diesel genset. This allows it to be placed closer to the action on film sets or near stages at music festivals, reducing the need for long, expensive cable runs and improving the experience for crew and audiences alike.
Construction and Infrastructure
From powering tower cranes to providing welfare facilities for workers, the HPU2 provides the high-capacity energy needed for major infrastructure projects. It helps contractors meet the “Clean Air” requirements often mandated by local authorities and major clients like National Grid or HS2.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
A unique advantage of the HPU2 is its ability to capture the by-products of the fuel cell process. In addition to 500kW of electricity, the unit can provide 250kW of thermal energy in the form of hot water (approx. 60°C). This can be used for:
- Heating site offices and welfare units.
- Providing hot water for showers and kitchens on-site.
- Industrial processes that require pre-heated water.
By utilising both the electrical and thermal output, the HPU2 becomes one of the most efficient energy solutions on the market today.
Available for Pre-Order Now!
The HPU2 is more than just a new product; it is the cornerstone of the new hydrogen economy. By providing more power in less space, at a lower weight and cost, we are removing the final barriers to displacing diesel for good.
The future of power is clean, quiet, and scalable.
For more information, technical specifications, or to secure your place in the production queue by placing a pre-order, contact GeoPura today.
Let’s work together to power your next project with nothing but pure green hydrogen.
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