National Highways have deployed the first hydrogen digger in the world to be utilised for survey work at the site in Kent
The digger is the world’s first hydrogen digger to be deployed outside of a test environment.
The deployment has been considered a ‘milestone’ in the construction industry’s journey to net zero.
“A major success for the client and for industry”
The world’s first hydrogen digger contributes to the Lower Thames Crossing being the first major infrastructure programme in Britain to be carbon neutral in construction, according to National Highways.
Further pledges for the project aim to completely remove diesel fuel from worksites by 2027, and making the largest purchase of green hydrogen ever.
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.”
Hydrogen has an important place in construction’s future
In April, Wates deployed a hydrogen-fuelled generator to a work site near Wolverhampton. The generator is connected to a 104kWh Powerpack battery storage unit. This setup is capable of powering the whole work site, either from the battery alone, in tandem with the generator, or with the generator alone.
Hydrogen fuel is a promising development for construction, as although expensive to produce, it is efficient as a fuel, and the use of hydrogen produces only water as a waste product, making it extremely environmentally friendly.
Of the Wates hydrogen generator, project director Adam Cannon said: “One of the questions we get from customers is how can you make site set-up more energy efficient and more carbon neutral? We’ve been trying other fuels, but they’ve been a bit of a challenge. Hydrogen for me is the way forward.
“It is completely new thinking for power for our accommodation on site and it really reduces the burden from the statutory authority having to bring new cables and infrastructure to site. It will allow us to be standalone and to offer a carbon neutral offering to our customers.”
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