Exploring Solar and Green Hydrogen as Sustainable Power Solutions for Construction Sites
Key Ideas
- Kier is conducting a trial at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset to test the viability of using solar power with green hydrogen as a backup to power construction sites.
- Early results show promising signs with significant usage of solar and green hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions, noise levels, and the risk of spills compared to traditional diesel generators.
- The Environment Agency views the trial as a 'big step forward' in achieving its net-zero goals, highlighting the importance of green hydrogen in supporting the construction industry and other sectors.
- The UK government's funding for green hydrogen projects indicates a growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions like solar and hydrogen for a greener future.
Kier, a major construction company, is conducting a trial at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset to explore the feasibility of using solar power with green hydrogen as a backup to power construction sites. The trial aims to reduce diesel consumption, carbon emissions, noise levels, and the risk of spills associated with traditional generators. The data from the trial will help determine if this approach can be scaled up for larger construction sites in the future. The consortium led by Bam is also testing dual-fuel excavators with on-site refueling, potentially cutting diesel use by 30%. The early results from the Somerset trial are promising, showing that 6,588kWh of power came from solar, 9,171kWh from green hydrogen, and only 287kWh from backup batteries, significantly reducing the need for diesel. The Environment Agency, supporting the trial, sees it as a significant step towards achieving its net-zero goals. The involvement of government funding for green hydrogen projects further emphasizes the commitment to sustainable energy solutions for a greener future.
Topics
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Innovation
Carbon Emissions
Green Technology
Funding
Sustainable Energy
Construction Industry
Net-zero Goals
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