Stockport recycling site swaps diesel for greener alternatives

A recycling site in Stockport has become the first in the UK to swap out its diesel generators for a combination of greener hydrogen power units, solar and grid.

Elsa Recycling, which specialises in plastic, cardboard and paper waste, has replaced two 400kVA diesel generators at its main recycling facility in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with GeoPura Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs).

Developed in partnership with GeoPura and renewable energy specialist Geo Green Power, the system combines the HPUs with Elsa Recycling’s existing grid connection and on-site solar generation to provide reliable, uninterrupted power for its recycling operations without relying on diesel to meet peak electricity demand. The system balances power across solar, grid and hydrogen; this helps Elsa Recycling make full use of its available grid capacity and renewable electricity generated on site. GeoPura’s HPUs provide additional power during periods of peak demand and continuous power to essential equipment.

The move signals a potentially huge step in cleaning up the recycling sector by weaning it off polluting diesel power. The new set up at the Elsa site is expected to remove a significant amount of CO2 emissions annually and improve air quality. It also gives Elsa greater control over long-term energy costs through a predictable supply which lessens exposure to changes in the price of diesel.

Gordon Anderson, Head of Development at Stockport based Elsa Recycling, said:

“Like many industrial businesses, our challenge wasn’t simply replacing diesel. It was finding a way to manage growing electricity demand while making the best possible use of our existing grid connection and our investment in solar.

“Working with GeoPura and Geo Green Power has allowed us to create an integrated energy system that delivers reliable power exactly when we need it, without compromising production. We believe this is a model that many recycling facilities could adopt to reduce emissions while improving energy resilience and cost certainty.”

The integrated grid, solar and hydrogen system is a blueprint that could be replicated in thousands of other recycling facilities across the UK. They face increasing electricity demand, grid constraints and pressure to reduce emissions.

The sector uses an estimated 2.5 TWh of electricity each year, equivalent to powering around 750,000 homes for a year. Most demand comes from high-power equipment including balers – which compress waste into bales – shredders and sorting systems. 

Matt Barney, VP Strategic Partnerships at GeoPura, said:

“This model has enormous potential across the recycling sector and many other energy-intensive industries. Full credit to Elsa Recycling for having the ambition to be first. 

“Their willingness to embrace new technology has created a practical, commercially viable model that we believe many other recycling facilities and industrial sites can now follow.”