GeoPura secures offtake from Bradford’s 35 MW green hydrogen electrolyser

GeoPura has signed a hydrogen purchase agreement with Hygen Energy for supply from the planned Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility in West Yorkshire, according to industry reports. The offtake covers 15% of available output in the first year (about 2.25 tonnes per day) and 20% from the second year (around 3 tonnes per day), as reported by gasworld. The project operates under a 15-year government-backed Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement and targets start-up in early 2028, based on current disclosures.

Key takeaways

• Offtake volumes: GeoPura will offtake 15% in year one and 20% in year two of the facility’s hydrogen, per gasworld reporting.
• Policy support: The plant benefits from UK government revenue support under the Hydrogen Production Business Model, secured through the first Hydrogen Allocation Round.
• Technology basis: A 35 MW alkaline water electrolyser powered by renewable electricity will produce green hydrogen on the former Birkshall Gas site.
• Timeline and risks: Commercial operations are slated for early 2028, though final investment decision remains pending.
• Strategic link: The deal integrates hydrogen production, storage, distribution and fuel-cell electricity generation, underlining supply for GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Unit fleet.

Project overview

The Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility reuses a former gas-holder location in Bradford District, which has around 546,400 residents according to the 2021 Census. Developed by Hygen Energy in partnership with N-Gen Energy Solutions, the plant will host a 35 MW alkaline electrolyser powered by renewable electricity. The electrolyser splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, with hydrogen then compressed, stored on-site and either dispensed at an on-site refuelling point or delivered via tube trailers to local customers.

Alkaline electrolysis relies on a liquid alkaline electrolyte. At the cathode, water molecules are reduced to hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions; at the anode, hydroxide ions are oxidized to oxygen, regenerating the electrolyte. Mature and robust at scale, this technology demands periodic separator checks and electrolyte conditioning. The Bradford installation ranks among the largest UK alkaline electrolyser deployments planned to date.

The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirms the project’s 15-year Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement under the first Hydrogen Allocation Round. This revenue-support mechanism, combined with capital grants from the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, aims to bridge the operating-cost gap between low-carbon hydrogen and conventional fuels.

While current materials cite a start in the first quarter of 2028, earlier announcements referred to 2027. Industry reporting also notes that the final investment decision has not yet been reached, underscoring execution risks.

Business context

GeoPura, founded in 2019, develops and operates transportable hydrogen-fuel-cell generators and maintains hydrogen production, storage and distribution assets at sites including Doncaster and High Marnham. Its Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) use Ballard fuel-cell modules to convert hydrogen into electricity without on-site emissions of CO₂, NOₓ or particulates.

GeoPura’s offtake secures roughly 2.25 tonnes of hydrogen per day initially, rising to about 3 tonnes per day in year two if the plant meets a 15 tonnes-per-day output as reported. Hygen Energy’s website, however, cites up to 12.5 tonnes per day, leaving a discrepancy pending contractual clarification.

Other reported offtakers include heavy-equipment maker JCB, zero-emission bus builder Wrightbus and distributor Ryze Power. Detailed volumes and contract terms for these partners have not been publicly disclosed.

This deal follows GeoPura’s integration with Ballard Power Systems, reported in 2026, aligning fuel-cell stack supply with hydrogen production and generator deployment.

Implications for the hydrogen value chain

• Demand visibility: Secured offtakes de-risk electrolytic projects by demonstrating long-term buyer commitments.
• Vertical integration: GeoPura’s link to Ballard Power Systems ties hydrogen production with fuel-cell power services.
• Subsidy reliance: Revenue support under the Hydrogen Production Business Model remains central to project economics.
• Execution hurdles: Final investment decision, financing, permitting and renewable‐power sourcing are outstanding.
• Environmental benefit: Fuel-cell generators eliminate local emissions, though full lifecycle impacts depend on electricity mix, equipment manufacture and logistics.

Government estimates suggest the Bradford project could generate around £120 million in local economic activity and support up to 125 jobs, though these figures are projections rather than proven outcomes. Across the first allocation round, ten projects have signed similar agreements, representing 125 MW of electrolyser capacity underpinned by public funds.

Looking ahead

The Bradford agreement tests whether clean hydrogen offtake arrangements and policy support can move green hydrogen from demonstration to regional infrastructure. For GeoPura, it secures fuel for diesel-replacement generators. For Hygen Energy, it builds offtake certainty ahead of financing and construction. As the UK pushes to scale electrolytic hydrogen, the success of this model will hinge on closing funding gaps, achieving FID and proving cost‐competitive production without long-term subsidies.

About the companies

• GeoPura: A UK developer and operator of transportable hydrogen fuel-cell generators, backed by its own hydrogen production and distribution network.
• Hygen Energy: A clean-energy project developer focusing on low-carbon and green hydrogen production, storage and distribution, backed by government-supported financing mechanisms.