Hydrogen

We will make our construction sites diesel free by using hydrogen and biofuel to power heavy construction, alongside electric vehicles and equipment.

Why Hydrogen? 

Traditionally the construction industry has been reliant on diesel to power heavy machinery which are hard to electrify and not suitable for batteries due to their significant power requirements.

Hydrogen-powered construction equipment can replace diesel engines with technology that emits nothing but water.

Using Hydrogen would reduce the carbon footprint of the Lower Thames Crossing, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel, and kick start the highly anticipated development of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary. 

Hydrogen trial 

Our plan to replace diesel with hydrogen in its heavy construction machinery, and help accelerate Britian’s transition to clean power, came a step closer following the successful conclusion of our first hydrogen trial in partnership with Gallagher Group, JCB and hydrogen supplier Ryze Power.

Hosted at the family-run Gallagher’s Hermitage Quarry in Kent, the trial was carried out using a JCB 540-180H Loadall powered by a hydrogen combustion engine fuelled with low carbon hydrogen. The machine replaced the use of an existing diesel-powered JCB Loadall for masonry work and successfully demonstrated the safe operation of hydrogen combustion powered equipment and mobile refuelling infrastructure.

The trial proved that the equipment would not only meet the project’s needs but would produce zero tailpipe emissions and save around 205kg of CO₂ per machine, per week when compared to traditional diesel fuelled equivalents.

Hydrogen procurement

We are buying the largest ever volume of Hydrogen on a UK transport project.

By securing the supply of such a high volume of hydrogen, we are giving our supply chain the confidence to invest in the next generation of hydrogen powered machines, as well as develop the new skills required to operate and maintain them.

With 45% of the project’s workforce to be recruited from the local area, this will leave a legacy of green skills in the region. 

The contract for the supply, storage and distribution to our construction sites will be awarded later this year.