Sydney Water, in collaboration with construction partner John Holland, is embarking on a groundbreaking 28-day trial of a hydrogen generator. This innovative move aims to revolutionize the way large-scale infrastructure projects are powered, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of construction activities.
The focus of this trial is the $1.2 billion Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre (AWRC) at Kemp Creek, a facility crucial for serving the Western Sydney Aerotropolis growth area, as well as parts of Camden, Penrith, and Liverpool LGAs. This facility plays a pivotal role in addressing the region’s growth needs until 2056.
Traditionally, construction sites rely on diesel-powered generators for their energy needs. However, the trial seeks to replace the conventional generator with a 100kVA hydrogen generator for a significant portion of the construction work. The environmental benefits are substantial – using hydrogen power for a year would save 152 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking 50 cars off the road annually.
The potential impact of transitioning to hydrogen-powered machinery for construction is enormous. It could significantly reduce the carbon footprint typically associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, making them more environmentally sustainable.
Sydney Water has set ambitious sustainability goals, with a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2030 and in its supply chain by 2040. The adoption of hydrogen technology aligns perfectly with these objectives and positions Sydney Water as an industry leader in innovation and sustainability.
Gill Fowler, Sydney Water’s Environment & Sustainability Manager for Major Projects, highlighted the viability of hydrogen power for the future. She emphasized that this move not only helps Sydney Water achieve its clean energy goals but also opens the door to potential partnerships and investment opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Steve Tolley, General Manager of Infrastructure at John Holland, sees this trial as a significant step forward in terms of innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. He noted that hydrogen technology has the potential to reduce emissions, noise pollution, and the overall carbon footprint of the construction sector.
The trial of hydrogen generators by Sydney Water and John Holland is scheduled to conclude in October 2023. Its success could mark a pivotal moment in the construction industry’s journey towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, setting an example for future infrastructure projects worldwide.
