HPNow GoGen: Onsite Hydrogen Peroxide Generation for Irrigation Water Treatment

Introduction

Water quality is one of the most critical and often underestimated factors in irrigation system performance and crop health. Pathogens, algae, biofilm, and organic matter in irrigation water can block drippers, reduce system efficiency, and — most seriously — spread plant diseases through the root zone. In recirculating systems, the risk is even greater, as pathogens can rapidly spread from one plant to the entire crop.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has long been recognised as one of the most effective and environmentally responsible treatments for irrigation water. It is a powerful oxidiser that destroys pathogens, breaks down biofilm, and degrades organic matter — leaving no harmful residues, as it breaks down into water and oxygen.

The HPNow GoGen takes this proven chemistry and makes it more accessible, safer, and more cost-effective than ever by generating ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide on-site, on demand, eliminating the need to store, handle, and transport concentrated chemical stock.

What Is the HPNow GoGen?

The HPNow GoGen is a compact, electrically powered unit that generates ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on-site using only water, electricity, and air. There are no chemical inputs, no storage of hazardous concentrates, and no specialist handling requirements.

The GoGen uses an electrochemical process to produce a low-concentration, ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide solution that is dosed directly into the irrigation water supply. Because the H2O2 is generated fresh on demand, it is always at peak activity — unlike stored chemical stock, which degrades over time.

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How Does Onsite H2O2 Generation Work?

The GoGen's electrochemical process is elegantly simple:

1. Water and dissolved oxygen from the air are fed into the electrochemical cell
2. An electrical current drives a reaction that combines oxygen and water to produce hydrogen peroxide
3. The resulting ultra-pure H2O2 solution is produced at a controlled concentration, ready for dosing into the irrigation system
4. The H2O2 is injected into the irrigation water — typically using a dosing pump or venturi injector — at the point of entry to the system

The process produces no hazardous by-products and requires no chemical reagents. The only consumables are water and electricity.

Why Hydrogen Peroxide for Irrigation Water Treatment?

H2O2 is one of the most versatile and effective treatments available for irrigation water. Its key benefits include:

Broad-Spectrum Pathogen Control

Hydrogen peroxide is effective against a wide range of plant pathogens including Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium, Botrytis, and bacterial diseases. It is particularly valuable in recirculating hydroponic and NFT systems where waterborne pathogens can spread rapidly through the entire crop.

Biofilm Elimination

Biofilm — the slimy layer of bacteria and organic matter that builds up inside irrigation pipes, drippers, and filters — is a persistent problem in irrigation systems. It reduces flow, harbours pathogens, and is difficult to remove mechanically. H2O2 breaks down biofilm effectively, keeping pipework and emitters clean and flowing freely.

Algae Control

Algae growth in open water sources, storage tanks, and irrigation pipework is a common problem, particularly in summer. H2O2 controls algae without the persistent residues associated with some algaecides, and without the risk of algae developing resistance over time.

Dripper and Filter Protection

Organic matter and biological growth are leading causes of dripper blockage. Regular H2O2 treatment keeps drippers and filter elements cleaner, reducing maintenance frequency and extending component life.

No Harmful Residues

H2O2 breaks down into water and oxygen — there are no persistent chemical residues in the growing environment, no risk of phytotoxicity at correct application rates, and no impact on soil biology when used appropriately. This makes it compatible with organic and integrated production systems.

No Resistance Development

Unlike some fungicides and biocides, pathogens do not develop resistance to hydrogen peroxide. Its mode of action — oxidative destruction of cell membranes and proteins — is non-specific, making resistance essentially impossible.

Advantages of Onsite Generation vs Stored Chemical

Traditional H2O2 water treatment requires purchasing, storing, and handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution — typically at 35% or 50% concentration. At these concentrations, H2O2 is classified as a hazardous substance, requiring specialist storage, handling procedures, and COSHH risk assessments.

The HPNow GoGen eliminates these challenges:

• No hazardous chemical storage — the GoGen produces H2O2 at low concentration on demand, removing the need to store concentrated stock on site
• No chemical deliveries — no logistics costs, no delivery scheduling, no risk of running out of stock at a critical moment
• Always fresh — stored H2O2 degrades over time, particularly in warm conditions. Onsite generation ensures the H2O2 is always at peak activity
• Ultra-pure product — the electrochemical process produces a very pure H2O2 solution, free from the stabilisers present in commercial chemical stock that can affect plant health at higher doses
• Simplified compliance — removing concentrated H2O2 from site significantly simplifies COSHH compliance and reduces insurance and regulatory risk
• Lower long-term cost — once installed, the GoGen's running costs (water and electricity) are typically lower than ongoing chemical purchases for equivalent treatment volumes

Applications in Horticulture and Agriculture

The HPNow GoGen is suitable for a wide range of irrigation water treatment applications:

• Recirculating hydroponic systems — NFT, DWC, and ebb-and-flow systems where pathogen control in the nutrient solution is critical
• Greenhouse drip irrigation — treating supply water to prevent biofilm and pathogen build-up in drip lines and emitters
• Reservoir and tank treatment — maintaining water quality in storage tanks and header tanks, preventing algae and pathogen proliferation
• Nursery irrigation — protecting overhead and drip systems from biofilm and algae, particularly in warm summer conditions
• Substrate growing systems — rockwool, coir, and perlite systems where root zone hygiene is essential for crop health
• End-of-season system disinfection — flushing irrigation systems with H2O2 solution to eliminate biofilm and pathogens before the next season

Integration with Your Irrigation System

The GoGen is designed for straightforward integration into existing irrigation infrastructure. The H2O2 solution it produces is dosed into the irrigation supply line using a compatible dosing pump or venturi injector — similar to a fertigation setup. A filtration system upstream of the dosing point is recommended to remove particulates that could interfere with the electrochemical cell.

Dosing rates depend on your water source quality, system size, and treatment objectives. HPNow provides detailed guidance on dosing protocols for different applications, and the IrriSmart team can advise on integration with your specific system.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

At the low concentrations produced and used by the GoGen, hydrogen peroxide is safe to handle with standard PPE (gloves and eye protection). It is not classified as a hazardous substance at these concentrations, removing the regulatory burden associated with concentrated chemical stock.

Environmentally, H2O2 is one of the most benign water treatment options available. It breaks down rapidly in the environment into water and oxygen, with no persistent residues, no bioaccumulation, and no impact on non-target organisms at correct application rates.

Conclusion

The HPNow GoGen represents a significant step forward in irrigation water treatment — combining the proven efficacy of hydrogen peroxide with the safety, convenience, and cost advantages of onsite generation. For growers who rely on clean, pathogen-free irrigation water to protect their crops and maintain system performance, the GoGen is a compelling solution.

To find out more or to discuss whether the HPNow GoGen is right for your system, view the product page or contact the IrriSmart team for expert advice.