INDTEGRATE is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action seeking to bring sustainable green hydrogen power to energy-intensive industries
A consortium is working to bring green hydrogen to construction and other energy-intensive industries to combat climate change and achieve net zero targets.
The project utilises new technology to make the production and integration of hydrogen power more achievable.
New technology to boost industry
The consortium has developed quicker integration of Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC) technology, designed to be adopted into industries including glass manufacturing, ceramics, brick, tile, and other building material production.
The project is running for three years, and combines renewable electricity, industrial waste heat recovery, and digital technology with green hydrogen to produce scalable pathways to decarbonise industry.
The consortium’s next steps are to bring forward design and development of the technological building blocks, such as digital modelling tools, energy management systems, and integration strategies, the results of which will be shared shortly after.
More information on the project can be found here.
Hydrogen growing as a viable solution
Projects and training for hydrogen in industry are growing in popularity as the industry seeks to decarbonise, as the construction sector is responsible for around 25% of the UK’s emissions.
In February, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Small Bore Tubing (SBT) training standards were put to use in an Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub, supporting the development of a hydrogen productions, storage, and distribution facility. The SBT training scheme has become one of the ECITB’s most popular training products as SBT skills are vital for hydrogen production.
In October last year, the world’s first hydrogen powered digger was deployed to work on the Lower Thames Crossing by National Highways. The digger was utilised for survey work, and was considered a ‘milestone’ for the construction industry’s fight for net zero.
Director of policy & public affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Ben Goodwin, said: “This announcement is a milestone on UK construction’s journey to net zero, showing that the industry is moving from pilots to real-world decarbonisation on site.
“CECA members are investing in low-carbon plant, but more can be done to encourage this take-up. Contractors need clear and consistent safety standards for hydrogen plant, reliable on-site refuelling and supply capabilities, and a procurement system that recognises the benefits of this type of machinery.
“If hydrogen is to fulfil its potential as a source of fuel alongside battery and HVO alternatives, industry needs consistent client requirements, predictable fuel availability, and commercial models that reward emissions reduction without pushing unmanageable risk down the supply chain.
“This milestone is a major success for the client and for industry. The further roll-out of clean plant across the supply chain will require targeted support to ensure SMEs can benefit from new technologies, the sharing of best practice, and collaboration between clients, contractors, and plant manufacturers.
“Achieving a net zero construction industry in the UK is a challenge for all of us, but one our members are determined to rise to – so that we can see the high-growth, net-zero economy the UK will need in the 21st century.”
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