GeoPura Demonstrates Zero-Emission Hydrogen Power at RAF Waddington
GeoPura delivered a landmark demonstration of its resilient, zero-emission hydrogen energy technology at RAF Waddington, showcasing the capability of two Hydrogen Power Units (HPU-Ms) to provide robust, off-grid electrical power suitable for deployed, expeditionary and main-base resilience applications.
Held inside a Rubb Buildings semi-permanent hangar on the airfield, the demonstration replicated a deployed operating location without access to grid electricity, where access to secure clean energy is critical. The event brought together representatives from the Royal Air Force, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), local government, and a wide cross-section of national defence and security industry stakeholders. Delegates included the RAF Waddington Station Commander, Group Captain Leanne Warner, and Squadron Leader Gareth Pickard who commands 5001 Squadron, which enables ground engineering functions to support deployed air operations.
The event also featured a static Hawk T1 jet from the Red Arrows – based at RAF Waddington – as well as engineers from the team, collectively known as the Blues. The striking backdrop underscored the aerobatic team’s ongoing work to pioneer sustainability in military aviation and display flying.
Group Captain Leanne Warner, commented:
RAF Waddington is committed to exploring innovative approaches that enhance operational resilience while reducing environmental impact.
”Hosting this demonstration provided an opportunity to engage with partners across defence and industry on how sustainable energy solutions could support deployed operations and main operating base requirements. The presence of a Red Arrows Hawk underscored our ambition to lead on sustainability in aviation and beyond.”
Andrew Cunningham, CEO & Founder, GeoPura, said:
Periods of geopolitical uncertainty highlight why energy self-sufficiency matters, particularly for the armed services where operational readiness must never falter.
”What we demonstrated here today shows how renewable fuels such as green hydrogen can be produced and deployed wherever they are needed, strengthening resilience and supporting more agile operations. It is encouraging to see the UK’s armed forces exploring these solutions and taking meaningful steps towards a cleaner, more secure energy future.”
Squadron Leader Barry Garnham, Senior Engineer Officer of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said:
During 2025, the Red Arrows have pioneered the use of more environmentally-friendly fuels in display flying – becoming the first national aerobatic team in the world to adopt sustainable alternatives, for both propulsion and to create our famous coloured smoke trails.
“Having one of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets as a backdrop for this demonstration at our home base underscores this innovative approach, which also aims to increase domestic energy-security.”
HPUs use a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity without producing harmful emissions. Hydrogen feeds into the fuel cell where it combines with oxygen to create electrical power, with only water produced as a by-product. Each unit provides clean, continuous, low-noise power and includes built-in battery storage to manage variable loads and support mission-critical equipment. GeoPura is the largest producer of green hydrogen in the UK and has already supported the Ministry of Defence through earlier trials that used HPUs to power EV charging across Army, Royal Navy and RAF bases. For the armed forces, this offers a dependable source of off-grid energy that reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality for personnel, and strengthens operational resilience in remote or contested environments.
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GeoPura Demonstrates Zero-Emission Hydrogen Power at RAF Waddington, source
