Port of Tilbury demonstrates hydrogen as diesel alternative

A hydrogen power demonstration at the Port of Tilbury has shown how major construction sites could reduce their dependence on diesel generators while improving local air quality and lowering carbon emissions. The event highlighted practical hydrogen applications already being used or developed for infrastructure projects, including temporary power, electric machinery charging and site compound energy supply.

The demonstration is closely linked to the Lower Thames Crossing, where hydrogen power units are being deployed as part of the project’s low-carbon construction strategy. The scheme is expected to use 2,500 tonnes of hydrogen during its main construction phase, with a green hydrogen production facility planned at the Port of Tilbury near the project’s northern portal in Essex.

Construction compounds often rely on diesel generators because grid connections can be limited, delayed or insufficient for high-demand site activities. Hydrogen fuel cell generators offer an alternative by producing electricity without the direct exhaust emissions associated with diesel combustion.

At the Lower Thames Crossing site, hydrogen units are being used to power welfare facilities, offices and battery systems for electric machinery. Six hydrogen-powered generators are already operating on the project, with mobile hydrogen storage units supplying the compound. According to reported project data, around 39 MWh of electricity has been generated using approximately 2.33 tonnes of hydrogen.

This type of deployment is important because temporary power is one of the most visible and persistent sources of construction site emissions. Replacing diesel generators can reduce local air pollutants, lower noise levels and support wider decarbonisation targets, particularly on large infrastructure schemes where power demand is continuous.

The Port of Tilbury is also being positioned as a hydrogen hub for construction, maritime and transport applications. Demonstrations included hydrogen-powered rapid charging, shore-to-ship power and hydrogen mobility systems, showing how the same energy infrastructure could support multiple sectors.

For ports and construction sites, hydrogen can be especially useful where fixed grid capacity is constrained. It can provide flexible low-emission power without waiting for major electrical upgrades, making it suitable for temporary compounds, dockside operations, heavy plant support and electric equipment charging.

The main engineering challenge is no longer whether hydrogen systems can operate on construction sites, but how they can be scaled safely, reliably and economically. Projects must manage high-pressure gas storage, refuelling logistics, separation distances, emergency procedures and operator training. These requirements mean hydrogen adoption must be treated as a planned site energy strategy, not simply as a generator replacement.

The Tilbury demonstration shows that hydrogen is becoming a practical option for major civil engineering projects. While it will not replace every diesel application immediately, it can play a valuable role where clean temporary power, grid flexibility and construction decarbonisation are all required.