UK consortium led by Ryze has secured over £3.2 million in government funding to pioneer mobile hydrogen refueling solutions for construction sites.
This funding, granted through the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s Red Diesel Replacement Programme, will empower the consortium, comprising iGAS, Wrightbus, Skanska, Mace Dragados, and Sizewell C, to develop and showcase a range of production-ready hydrogen refueling equipment tailored for the demanding needs of construction sites.
A Pathway to Low-Carbon Construction
The consortium’s mission extends beyond innovation; it’s about demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a low-carbon alternative to red diesel in sectors such as construction, mining, and quarrying. A working quarry site has been selected for the trial, where a significant fleet of construction machines will undergo testing. The hope is that this trial will underscore the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize the heavy machinery industry, reducing emissions and environmental impact significantly.
Additionally, this ambitious project will contribute to the development of critical aspects of integrating hydrogen into construction practices. This includes the establishment of standard operating procedures, enhancing site safety, standardizing equipment, and facilitating knowledge sharing about hydrogen technology. Project partners will also provide valuable case study reports, evaluating the feasibility of hydrogen adoption on major construction sites starting in 2025.
Hydrogen: A Cleaner and Greener Alternative
Neil Isaacson, the Chief Executive of Ryze, emphasized the transformative potential of hydrogen in construction. “Hydrogen is a promising alternative to diesel that can significantly reduce carbon emissions,” he stated. Importantly, the combustion of hydrogen produces exhaust emissions considerably cleaner than those from diesel-powered machinery, aligning with sustainability and emission reduction goals.
Jo Bamford, Executive Chairman of Ryze, has a noteworthy connection to hydrogen technology through his father, Lord Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB. JCB has been at the forefront of developing hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) construction machinery, further highlighting the sector’s growing interest in hydrogen adoption.
Isaacson emphasized the urgency of developing a mobile and flexible hydrogen supply chain to meet the needs of construction sites. As hydrogen-fueled vehicles are set to become widely available by 2025, this initiative becomes a vital stepping stone towards creating commercially viable solutions for supplying hydrogen to construction sites.
