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 facilities will power the electric fleet vehicles of Front-Line Command and will be trialed at RAF Leeming, Her Majesty’s Naval Base DEVONPORT, and Merville Barracks. This initiative is part of the ministry's goal to achieve a zero-emission fleet by the end of 2027.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 9:34 AM PT

EV transition supported by Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of the first of three hydrogen-fuelled charging facilities by the Defence Support organisation. These facilities will power Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicles and will undergo trials at RAF Leeming, Her Majesty's Naval Base DEVONPORT, and Merville Barracks. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving a zero-emission fleet by the end of December 2027, utilizing hydrogen as an energy source to explore new technological opportunities and approaches while providing operational advantages.

The trial is part of the Sustainable Road Transport programme, with a specific focus on using hydrogen as a fuel. Through this trial, the Defence Support organisation will explore additional options for electric vehicles and fully hydrogen-powered vehicles. Director Defence Support Major Programmes, Air Vice Marshall Richard Hill, emphasized the importance of this trial in understanding hydrogen's role in the future energy mix of Defence. Using hydrogen to power some electric vehicles in the white fleet is a significant advancement towards accessing sustainable energy sources, ensuring resilience and mobility in off-grid and compromised-supply locations.

The Defence Support organisation, as part of Strategic Command, is dedicated to delivering the necessary energy infrastructure for Defence. Group Captain Gareth Prendergast, RAF Leeming Station Commander, expressed enthusiasm for being part of the Defence Support programme and exploring the potential of hydrogen to support Defence capabilities in the future. The GeoPura system allows them to demonstrate the concept at RAF Leeming and understand how it can enhance resiliency on bases and influence operations both domestically and internationally.

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