Construction News Read UK Construction Industry News, Analysis, Opinion and data BAM has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards decarbonising its construction sites with the successful trial of the Element 1 dual-fuel hydrogen R&D solution. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with a broad range of industry partners, has now moved beyond the demonstration phase to active deployment on real-world construction sites.
Element 1 was born from a commitment to working effectively with partners and harnessing cross-industry expertise. With a grant of £4,872,653 secured from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), the project aims to reduce diesel consumption on construction sites by supplementing traditional diesel fuel with hydrogen. By converting existing diesel machinery into hybrid machines capable of operating on both fuels, BAM and its Element 1 partners have paved the way for reducing diesel usage by up to 30 per cent. This approach not only cuts carbon emissions but also extends the useful life of perfectly serviceable equipment, offering a pragmatic solution to the industry’s environmental challenges.
The trial has seen the deployment of four dual-fuel excavators across sites in Manchester, Brighouse, and Ravensthorpe along with an onsite refuelling solution. Developed by the Element 1 partners – GeoPura, ULEMCo, Plantforce, Flannery, BRE, SKANSKA, and Reynolds – the machines have now proven their worth in demanding, real-world conditions. The success of these trials underscores the potential of hydrogen to form a key component in the future fuel strategy for construction, demonstrating that sustainability and operational efficiency can indeed go hand in hand.
Onsite trials have provided valuable insights into how the dual-fuel solution performs under varied conditions. Each construction site has presented its unique challenges, prompting continuous refinement of the technology. Recent software updates have optimised the control of hydrogen injection into the engines, leading to improved fuel consumption figures. Such improvements highlight the iterative process of technological innovation, where feedback from real-world applications drives further enhancements.
A key development in the success of the trial has been the assembly of the Element 1 mobile refueller, HyTANKa™. This revolutionary vehicle is currently undergoing stringent tests and inspections, ensuring it meets the high standards required for delivering hydrogen safely via the public highway to various construction sites. The HyTANKa™ solution enables the efficient refuelling of dual-fuel machines and supports the broader move towards sustainable construction practices.
The collaborative spirit behind the Element 1 project is a testament to the strength of partnership in driving industry change. BAM’s leadership in this consortium has enabled the pooling of expertise and resources, resulting in a solution that not only meets immediate operational needs but also charts a course for future innovation. The data being collected from these trials will form comprehensive conclusions, with findings expected to be published in spring 2025 following the project’s completion on 31 March.
In addition to the dual-fuel excavators, BAM’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from plant machinery extend to other pioneering projects. Notably, the company is hosting tests for the JCB hydrogen telehandler, which is nearing the final stages of development. This further cross-industry collaboration exemplifies BAM’s proactive approach to integrating hydrogen solutions across its fleet and setting new benchmarks for environmental performance in the construction sector.
The success of the trials demonstrates that sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into existing construction operations. By embracing hydrogen as a supplementary fuel, BAM and its partners have not only reduced carbon emissions but also set a precedent for responsible, future-proof construction practices. This achievement reinforces the importance of collaborative innovation and provides a blueprint for other industry players looking to make meaningful environmental improvements.
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