HS2 is continuing to use new energy technology, introducing a H₂ fuel cell for zero emissions operations on site. Mace Dragados Joint Venture, the construction team building HS2’s new Euston station, is trialing a H₂ fuel cell, supplied by AFC Energy, to charge a fully electric JCB telehandler.

Dubbed the H-Power Tower, the unit is being used to charge the electric telehandler, and is an entirely emission free solution, reducing noise and capacity requirements from mains power. The H-Power Tower is also being used to charge lighting towers and a water pump on site.

The H₂ fuel cell produces electricity by combining H₂ and oxygen atoms, which react across an electrochemical cell to produce electricity, with water and heat being the only by-products. Charging electric construction machinery with zero-emission solutions at point of use provides a real step forward in decarbonizing the activities of construction activities where mains supply is not possible.

Speaking about the H-Power Tower, HS2’s Head of Environmental Sciences, Andrea Davidson, said, “HS2 is championing the use of environmentally friendly energy solutions across the project, and this is another great example of just that. Reducing the reliance on mains sources of power while still moving away from diesel generated power is critical for the UKs low carbon future and trialing the use of hydrogen power to charge electric machines and for plant equipment as a whole will be a major step forward for the wider construction sector.”

HS2 has continually challenged its contractors to find new, innovative methods of construction and power supply that will result in lower emissions, be greener, and more environmentally friendly. This is just one of the many ways HS2 is reducing carbon emissions and air pollution typically projected in construction and accelerating HS2 sites to be diesel free by 2029. 

“Our trialing of fuel cell generators at our Euston station site underlines our commitment to supporting HS2 with its aspiration to help drive a low carbon future in the UK,” Ben Wheeldon, Program Director for Mace Dragados.

“By using the electricity generated by the AFC Energy’s unit to power a very visible piece of equipment that we use on site each and every day, we’re reminding our workforce of the need to put decarbonization at the forefront of our industry’s thinking and encouraging them to bring their own innovative ideas to Euston.”

Adam Bond, Chief Executive Officer at AFC Energy, said, “Our H-Power Tower has demonstrated that it is a reliable, and highly efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based generators. The H-Power Tower’s ability to support, HS2, Europe’s largest construction project with clean and consistent power is irrefutable proof of concept for our technology. Hydrogen has the power to revolutionize construction, helping the industry meet its decarbonization goals and reach net zero.”

HS2 is also collaborating with the Construction Leadership Council to develop a zero-diesel site route map. The plan is out for consultation until December 3, 2022 and the construction industry is being invited to provide feedback.