EV transition supported by Ministry of Defence

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【Summary】The Ministry of Defence has launched the first of three hydrogen-fuelled charging facilities to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The trial will begin at RAF Leeming, Her Majesty's Naval Base DEVONPORT, and Merville Barracks. This is a step towards achieving a zero-emission fleet by 2027, with hydrogen being used as an energy source.

FutureCar Staff Aug 23, 2023 6:32 AM PT

EV transition supported by Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence has launched the first of three hydrogen-fuelled charging facilities through the Defence Support organization. This initiative aims to power Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicles and will commence with trials at RAF Leeming, Her Majesty's Naval Base DEVONPORT, and Merville Barracks.

This project is a significant step towards achieving a zero-emission fleet by the end of December 2027. Hydrogen is being utilized as an energy source, highlighting the potential of new technology and providing operational advantages.

The trial is part of the Sustainable Road Transport program, which focuses on exploring the use of hydrogen as a fuel. The Defence Support organization will assess additional options for electric vehicles and fully hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Air Vice Marshall Richard Hill, Director Defence Support Major Programmes, expressed the importance of this trial in understanding hydrogen's role in the future energy mix of Defence. Utilizing hydrogen for white fleet electric vehicles expands the range of sustainable energy sources, enhancing resilience and mobility in off-grid and compromised-supply locations.

The Defence Support organization, under Strategic Command, is dedicated to delivering the necessary energy infrastructure for Defence. Group Captain Gareth Prendergast, RAF Leeming Station Commander, emphasized the significance of this program in exploring the potential of hydrogen to support Defence capabilities. The GeoPura system allows for the demonstration of this concept at RAF Leeming, providing insights into enhancing resiliency on bases and influencing operations both domestically and internationally.

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