GeoPura is expanding its commercial hydrogen production facility at Croft Farm, Doncaster by offering its low carbon hydrogen to the wider market.
According to the company, which is one of the UK’s leading providers of sustainable power solutions, this development marks a significant milestone in the region’s transition to renewable energy and aligns with Britain’s net-zero goals.
The Croft Farm facility is an example of how green energy can boost local economies and farming communities. The location has previously been the site of a coal spoil heap, and a land fill, but now renewable energy from natural biogas and solar PV is enabling the GeoPura electrolyser to produce green hydrogen.
This clean and sustainable fuel generates zero emission electricity, supporting various industries such as festivals, film and TV services, construction and data centres that need extra clean energy but cannot get sufficient electricity grid capacity. Unlike diesel fuelled generators that produce a toxic mix of pollutants and CO2, the only exhaust from a GeoPura hydrogen fuelled generator is pure water. This initiative is crucial in decarbonising power generation and ensuring clean energy supply for South Yorkshire and beyond.
GeoPura is backed by leading global investors and the National Wealth Fund through substantial funding, which underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local economies and the domestic supply chain. This collaboration not only accelerates the transition to renewable energy but also fosters economic growth and job creation within the community.
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, commented:
“The green hydrogen production at Croft Farm marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a clean energy future. This project not only showcases the potential of green hydrogen in balancing the grid and complementing renewable energy sources but also highlights the importance of local collaboration and innovation. We are proud to contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions and look forward to further advancements in this critical sector.”
The Croft Farm site, owned by Peter Maxwell, a former British Coal Engineer, has a rich history of energy production. After the closure of the coal spoil heap in the 1980s, Mr Maxwell transformed the site into a community resource, capturing methane from waste to produce energy. Today, the farm’s development continues with the addition of green hydrogen production, symbolising a journey from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This transformation not only benefits the environment but also brings new opportunities and sustainable growth to the local community.
Peter Maxwell, owner of Croft Farm, shared:
“This farm has been a part of Doncaster’s energy story for decades. Transitioning from coal to green hydrogen is a proud moment for us and the community. It’s about securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Nottingham based renewable energy experts, Geo Green Power completed the 2.5MWp solar PV installation, a clean power source used to generate the hydrogen and complement the bio gas on site. The solar is forecast to generate over 2,000MWh of electricity every year with mount frames specifically designed and installed so as to avoid the existing underground methane gas network and cap. In total 6,098 solar panels were fitted, feeding 22 Solis 110kW inverters supplying the electrolyser as required.
James Cunningham, MD Geo Green Power, said:
“This has been a very exciting project for us to work on. Not only has it been one of our biggest installations to date, it’s been the first time that one of our solar PV systems will be generating green hydrogen. Having provided the R&D support to help launch GeoPura it’s been great for our teams to be working alongside each other again, and this project certainly demonstrates the exciting future that renewable energy and hydrogen technology are set to enjoy.”
In addition to utilising the green hydrogen produced at Croft Farm for the Hydrogen Power Units, GeoPura is extending an invitation to projects that are trialling hydrogen and are interested in utilising green hydrogen. By offering access to this clean and sustainable fuel, GeoPura aims to support innovative initiatives and collaborations that further the adoption of hydrogen technology across various sectors.
Image courtesy of GeoPura.
