Innovative Solar and Hydrogen Experiment for Sustainable Construction Site Power Supply
Key Ideas
- Kier is conducting a year-long trial using solar power with a hydrogen fuel cell backup to power an off-grid construction site in Bridgwater, Somerset.
- The trial has shown promising results, with estimated savings of 20,000 liters of diesel and 53,000 kg of CO2e avoided in just four months.
- The combination of solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, and batteries aims to provide a continuous clean power supply, contributing to the site's zero-emission goal.
- The project is supported by the Environment Agency's innovation fund and highlights the importance of green hydrogen to support sustainable construction practices.
Kier is currently implementing a unique approach to power supply at the Bridgwater tidal barrier scheme in Somerset by using solar power along with a hydrogen fuel cell backup on an off-grid construction site. The trial, which started in January and will run for a year, has already shown promising results in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact. By combining solar panels, green hydrogen, and batteries, the site has managed to save approximately 20,000 liters of diesel and avoid 53,000 kg of CO2e in just four months. This innovative technology not only aims to provide a continuous clean power supply but also supports the site's zero-emission goal. The project is a collaborative effort between Kier, TCP Group, and the Environment Agency, with the latter emphasizing the importance of green hydrogen in transitioning towards a sustainable future. Learnings from the trial have already led to improvements in energy usage monitoring and the addition of more fuel cells to enhance performance. The successful implementation of this hybrid hydrogen solution demonstrates a significant step towards achieving net zero goals in the construction industry.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Environmental Impact
Innovation
Sustainability
Green Technology
Energy Efficiency
Solar Power
Construction Industry
Net-zero Goals
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