Hydrogen in Construction: The Next Big Step Towards Sustainable Building

As the construction industry works towards net-zero emissions, innovative trials are proving that hydrogen power could be the future of heavy machinery. One such breakthrough was presented at the 2024 GE Basements & Underground Structures conference, where a project manager from a leading engineering firm highlighted the success of a dual-fuel piling rig trial. The project, which tested the world’s first dual-fuel hydrogen piling rig, demonstrated that hydrogen can be integrated into construction equipment, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The Zero Carbon Hydrogen Construction Equipment for Real World Use (ZECHER) trial ran from 2022 to 2023, adapting a Soilmec SR30 piling rig to operate on both hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The project aimed for a minimum of 30% hydrogen displacement during real-world operations. By installing a hydrogen engine control unit and injection system alongside the existing HVO engine, the rig was able to switch between hybrid or fully HVO modes, maximizing efficiency.

Phase one of the trial showed promising results. The rig achieved an average hydrogen replacement of 36% while installing piles for the Granby Terrace Bridge project, part of the HS2 Euston Approaches contract. Over seven hours of operation, the rig consumed 12kg of hydrogen and reduced diesel usage by 30 liters, without compromising engine performance.

While the trial proved the feasibility of hydrogen-powered construction machinery, significant challenges remain. The UK's hydrogen infrastructure is currently insufficient for widespread adoption, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, the supply of renewable hydrogen, essential for sustainable operations, needs to be expanded to support industry-wide implementation. However, initiatives such as National Highways’ commitment to using hydrogen on the Lower Thames Crossing project signal a step in the right direction.

In summary, the success of the ZECHER trial shows the potential for hydrogen to revolutionize construction, offering a path towards reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the efficiency and power required for heavy-duty operations.