UK first – Keltbray trials hydrogen fuel cell technology on M621 project

Keltbray has teamed up with AFC Energy to showcase how hydrogen fuel cell technology can decarbonise off-grid temporary power for construction, in one of the first uses of its type in the UK at its M621 Highways project in Leeds.

Potential benefits:

• Zero local air pollution emissions
• 100% renewable
• Reduced reliance on diesel energy
• Reduced noise and vibration
• Reliable source of electricity
• Modular and scalable to increase capacity
• Fuel flexibility ready (hydrogen fuel can be converted to and from green carrier fuels)

The fuel cell is now in operation, providing clean power for the M621 Highways project. Under the collaboration, AFC Energy is sourcing and suppling hydrogen to Keltbray on commercial terms in addition to supplying the hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) system. Keltbray are taking the role of operator of the HFC system with AFC Energy providing requisite training to on site operators.

“We’re proud to be teaming up with AFC Energy plc to showcase how hydrogen fuel cell technology will decarbonise off-grid temporary power for construction. This forward-thinking initiative is teaching us the lessons for what future power generation with zero local emissions looks like. We’re excited to monitor its progress over the next few weeks and share our findings with the industry.” Kiro Tamer, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Keltbray

What does this mean for the construction industry?

Hydrogen power offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel generators. Hydrogen-based power offers an effective solution to reducing emissions for the construction industry.

Reductions in emissions improves the health and wellbeing of workers and local communities as well as reducing our impact on climate change.

“National Highways is committed to aiming for net zero maintenance and construction emissions by 2040. We welcome innovations such as this hydrogen fuel technology, which support our ambitious program. The installation of these systems on sites like the M621 allows us to work with our supply chain partners to carry out real-world testing, refining performance and outputs, to determine the viability of such cleaner energy alternatives for use in construction in the UK.” Chris Musgrave, Senior Project Manager at National Highways.

Emission free construction sites mean:

• Less air pollution i.e., NOx, SOx, particulates, black carbon, and carcinogens
• Less noise pollution
• Less wasted energy
• No reliance on red diesel
• Fuel cost savings, depending on the cost of hydrogen

“AFC Energy’s partnership with Keltbray is highlighting in a very tangible way just how hydrogen is now playing a key role in the decarbonisation of today’s construction site. The Power Tower affords the potential to charge electric vehicles on site, power construction plant, run cabins and tools such that the entire site can be removed from its reliance on diesel generators. Our partnership with Keltbray, evidenced in Leeds at the M621 project, is just the start of a long-term relationship where both company’s sustainability and zero emission aspirations can be met with today’s hydrogen-based power generation technologies. Together, we are showcasing the future of zero emission construction”. Adam Bond, CEO at AFC Energy

How does it work?

A hydrogen fuel cell is an electro-chemical power generator that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat.

The technology provides a clean and reliable alternative source of power in a growing number of applications.

A fuel cell works through a process called electrolysis to produce electricity.

ENDS