In partnership with GeoPura and SWARCO, Cairn Lodge Services, part of the Westmorland Family, on the M74 in Lanarkshire, launched a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) charging facility powered by hydrogen.
This project marked the UK’s first deployment of a hydrogen-powered generator to supply energy to EV chargers at a service station, helping accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure.
Dates
Oct 2023 – Nov 2025
Location
Lanarkshire, England
Equipment
HPU & 6 Rapid EV chargers
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Case Study
Key Metrics
CO2
692.57 tonnes
Saved
NOX
6,771.38 kg
Saved
PM
260.44 kg
Saved
Improvements to make
Challenges
- Insufficient grid capacity
- Sustainable alternative to diesel generators needed
- Supplementary power supply and infrastructure needed to get EV chargers online.
How GeoPura helped
Solutions
- GeoPura HPU utilised to provide zero-emission power for EV charging
- Full managed service: refuelling HPUs, operations and remote monitoring.
- UK-based supply chain with no interruption to fuel availability.
About the Project
Cairn Lodge Services, a family-run motorway
services business renowned for its commitment
to quality service and sustainability, took a
proactive step to bridge the energy grid gap by
using hydrogen power. Westmorland partnered
with GeoPura to connect its HPU, fuelled by green
hydrogen, to Westmorland EV chargers provided
by SWARCO Smart Charging.
The GeoPura HPU supplemented the current grid
supply and provided suitable electricity for EV
charging at the service station. GeoPura’s HPU
technology utilised green hydrogen – a clean and
renewable energy source – to generate electricity
onsite. This technology was used independently of
the grid or to support the local grid in managing
peak charging demands.
From December 2023, EV drivers visiting Cairn
Lodge Services had access to six ultra-rapid
Westmorland EV chargers from SWARCO Smart
Charging, powered by green hydrogen, until a
suitable electrical grid connection was established.
This innovative solution offered seamless
scalability for off-grid EV charging in various
applications, even in areas where grid upgrades
were delayed or not feasible. By incorporating
GeoPura HPUs, Cairn Lodge Services overcame
electrical grid capacity restraints and avoided
delays in opening its EV charging facilities. This
allowed it to meet the demands of the holiday
season and the expected surge in EV charging.
Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU) Technology
The original hydrogen-powered generator, fuelled by green hydrogen. Proven, robust, and reliable, it delivers quiet, zero-emission power for a wide range of applications.
Watch Video
Watch how our HPU works
See how we produce, store and transport our own green hydrogen for use in our HPUs that produce zero emission electricity for a range of off grid, temporary and back-up applications.
The Applications
Off-Grid Power
EV Charging
Grid Augmentation
…the charging experience is no different to a grid connected charger, and by using a HPU we can provide EV charging sooner…
“Cairn Lodge Services is excited to offer the first hydrogen powered EV chargers on the UK motorway network. The rapid growth of the EV market has underscored the pressing
need for accessible and reliable charging facilities.
As EV adoption soars, the pressure on the electrical grid has become increasingly evident, leaving businesses like Westmorland to look for creative, sustainable alternatives until there is sufficient grid capacity. We want to be at the forefront of this sustainable and eco-friendly EV charging revolution, providing a convenient, green charging to our customers.
To the customer, the charging experience is no different to a grid connected charger, and by utilising this new technology we can provide much needed EV charging facilities sooner, meeting the growing demand without having a negative impact on the environment.”
Nabil Subuh, CEO
Westmorland Family
Check out how we’ve powered the Isle of Wight Festival
GeoPura’s HPUs, hydrogen powered generators, replaced traditional diesel generators providing power to crew and artist catering and part of the guest village at Isle of Wight Festival.
