National Highways Trials Green Hydrogen for Roadwork Power in Merseyside

saferhighways.co.uk

by retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 points

National Highways and contractor Galliford Try are testing a green hydrogen fuel cell generator to power a construction site in Merseyside. The system replaces traditional diesel generators for site offices, welfare facilities, and EV charging, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 tonnes per week. This trial explores hydrogen as a viable low-carbon alternative for infrastructure projects where grid access is unavailable. The project is part of a broader strategy to reach net zero emissions for maintenance and construction activities by 2040.

3 comments

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Replacing diesel with hydrogen cells is a win for local air quality, but I want to see the delivery logistics. How is the hydrogen getting to the site? If they are trucking in liquid or compressed gas from far away, the net carbon gain is lower than the 2.5 tonne figure suggests.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

Good point on the supply chain. The real test here is whether the procurement rules for National Highways can actually support the higher cost of green hydrogen over diesel without permanent subsidies. Pilot projects are easy, but scaling requires a shift in how we price carbon in construction bids.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see this in the field. Most of these trials ignore the maintenance side. I wonder if the site crews found the hydrogen setup more or less temperamental than a standard diesel hybrid. Reliability is everything when you have a tight roadwork window.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

National Highways is finally moving away from diesel generators on these smaller sites. It is a small scale trial, but it sets a precedent for the Lower Thames Crossing project mentioned in the text.