A hydrogen-powered welfare unit is helping to cut emissions and improve working conditions at a South Shields construction site, thanks to a collaboration between National Grid Electricity Transmission, Omexomand GeoPura.
As part of National Grid’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability across construction sites, the South Shields project team opted to power its welfare cabins with hydrogen from day one – avoiding the use of a diesel generator entirely.
Delivered in collaboration with Omexom, the Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU), developed by GeoPura, supplies zero-emission electricity to run kitchen facilities, heating, lighting, changing areas and EV charging infrastructure. The proactive decision supports Omexom’s site goal of cutting emissions by 40% and aligns with National Grid’s environmental commitments.
Diesel generators remain common across construction sites, but they bring significant drawbacks, from high carbon emissions and local air pollution to noise and maintenance challenges. At South Shields, the team saw an opportunity to start differently, using hydrogen to deliver power with none of the usual downsides.
The hydrogen unit is quiet, reliable, and produces no fumes – a major benefit for teams working close to residential areas. The fuel cell emits only water vapour and the integrated battery system provides smooth, consistent power even during peak demand. On-site teams have already noted the improvement, particularly in air quality, noise levels and the simplicity of the refuelling process.
From 16 October 2024 to 1 June 2025, the hydrogen system has displaced 65 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared with a diesel generator of equivalent output. The contract has now been extended, allowing the team to continue benefiting from the emissions savings, improved air quality, and quieter operation.
Although hydrogen is a drop-in replacement for diesel in terms of power, it requires different safety planning. The GeoPura team worked with site personnel to identify a suitable location for the unit that complied with DSEAR regulations, safety distances, and delivery logistics. These processes now provide a model for future hydrogen deployments across other projects.
“This project is a strong example of how we can reduce emissions without compromising on performance. The team have shown that clean power can be integrated into a live construction site safely and successfully.”
John Revell, Project Supervisor, National Grid
“Omexom has maintained its commitments in reducing the direct impact on the environment by using an onsite hydrogen fuel cell instead of the conventional diesel generator for delivery of the South Shields Project. The system provides zero emission electricity, it’s quiet, reliable and supports predictable project delivery whilst supporting both the Omexom and National Grid’s carbon footprint reduction targets”
Paul O’Hara, Senior Project Manager, Omexom
“We’ve worked closely with the site team to make sure the system met operational and safety requirements. It’s great to see the positive impact it’s had and to demonstrate that hydrogen technology is already delivering real benefits on the ground.”
Ross Robertson, Senior Surveyor, GeoPura
GeoPura’s HPU generates electricity through a fuel cell, which combines hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce clean power, with only water vapour as a by-product. The hydrogen fuel is produced off site via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, ensuring it is genuinely low carbon. It is then delivered safely to site in tube trailers and stored for use, providing a reliable, zero-emission alternative to diesel.
Credit to Omexom for enabling the use of hydrogen from the outset and driving site-wide decarbonisation efforts and to National Grid team on site for their hands-on support in embedding the technology safely and effectively.
Photo of GeoPura
Press release https://www.geopura.com/blog/hydrogen-power-fuels-welfare-units-at-south-shields-site/
