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13th May 2010 HMGS recorded data now available from the technical data area of this website

23rd February 2010 The PEC MkII electrolyser has been installed and commissioned.

1st June 2009 The HMGS generated over 12,000kWh of electricity during May and exported only 2,000kWh to the local distribution network. The rest of the electricity was used on site.

22nd May 2009 UPS Systems successfully demonstrate that the fuel cell is operational and capable of generating 30kW of electricity.

14th May 2009 Close out meeting with Allenbuild (civil contractor) and Hursts (electrical contractor) to finalise outstanding repairs/alternations to the HMGS build.

24th April 2009 New Vestas gearbox installed and wind turbine commissioned. Generation starts at 8pm.

HMGS Mini Grid System16th April 2009 Installation of new MKII electrolyser scheduled for delivery 4th quarter 2009. The MKII electrolyser offers superior performance, greater hydrogen capacity and an innovative design.

25th March 2009 PEC propose that the installation of the electrolyser is postponed until the MKII version is ready for operation.

18th March 2009 Certificate of Practical Completion issued to civils contractors

26th February 2009 Vestas report that the wind turbine requires a new gearbox due to damage caused by previous over-speeding.

20th February 2009 The PEC MKI electrolyser decommissioned and removed from site for further testing.

29th January 2009 Unknown fault occurred causing potential damage to the electrolyser cells and the calibration of a number of sensors/valves. The initial assessment indicated that an internal part of the Electrolysis Module (EM) had been damaged during shipment.

6th January 2009 Wind turbine commissioned by Vestas and an issue with the gearbox reported.

5th January 2009 First hydrogen produced using the MKI Pure Energy Centre alkaline electrolyser.

19th December 2008 Wind turbine observed to be turning too fast and blades are therefore moved to stall position to prevent further rotation.

6th December 2008 Vestas wind turbine moved from original home at Newton Aycliffe to Waverley over the weekend and erected on site.

7th November 2008 HMGS plantroom now under construction with external block work walls and internal wall being erected. The room will be weather tight in just under 3 weeks ready for hydrogen equipment installation.

9th October 2008 Hydrogen electrolyser and control system tested at the Pure Energy Centre, Shetland, prior to delivery to site.

5th September 2008 Turbine foundation design approved and constructed ready for turbine installation in December.

HMGS Mini Grid System4th August 2008 Construction on the Hydrogen Mini Grid System has started with the wind turbine foundations. Read more »

31st July 2008 Landscape scheme submitted to Rotherham council for comments.

15th July 2008 Total Wind appointed to manage the transport, delivery and installation of the Vestas V29 wind turbine.

26th June 2008 After a final design stage and the Civils contract has been signed with Allenbuild to build HMGS.

19th June 2008 The modifications to the design of the HMGS have been accepted by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as only minor amendments and planning permission granted. Whilst it is expected that there will be no increase in the noise levels due to the wind turbine in accordance with the planning conditions noise levels at the nearest residential property will be investigated.

4th June 2008 The HMGS team have secured funding from Yorkshire Forward to develop a "Hydrogen Display" at Eureka! The Museum for Children. For more information on Eureka go to www.eureka.org.uk.

1st April 2008 Orders for all capital equipment have been placed. The construction of the HMGS is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2008 with final commissioning and testing due to end at the end of the year.

26th March 2008 Allenbuild have been selected as the preferred contractor for the construction of the HMGS plantroom and wind turbine foundations.

16th November 2007 Final design of HMGS approved by Yorkshire Forward. After detailed discussions with Yorkshire Forward the final design for the HMGS has been approved and will include a Vestas 225kW wind turbine, 30bar electrolyser, grid synchronised 30kW fuel cell, hydrogen storage facility with a capacity of 200kg and a refueller capable of dispensing hydrogen at 200bar for transport use.

November 2007 Yorkshire has a new claim to fame. It is to be the first place in the UK to have a building fuelled solely by wind and hydrogen power. Read more »