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Case Study

Hydrogen HGVS in construction

Project challenges

A key challenge in construction is a heavy reliance on diesel, so the government has launched a Red Diesel Replacement Competition to fund the development of innovative technologies to switch from red diesel to hydrogen or other low carbon fuels.

Business challenge

  • Sustainability & Net Zero

Sector

  • Hydrogen

Technology or capability

  • Industrial Transformation

Market analysis and strategic business case for alternative fuel (hydrogen) for HGVS in UK construction.

Gathering multiple stakeholders together to address the challenges and common issues, particularly aimed at stimulating supply and demand.

The Challenge

The UK government's hydrogen strategy sets out the importance of low carbon hydrogen in decarbonisation by providing greener, more flexible energy. A key challenge in construction is a heavy reliance on diesel, so the government has launched a Red Diesel Replacement Competition to fund the development of innovative technologies to switch from red diesel to hydrogen or other low carbon fuels. 

HS2 is working to meet the UK government's target to bring all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to Net Zero by 2050 and is supporting the transition from diesel to zero emissions by working with partners to develop alternative technologies. As part of this, HS2 is, through the HS2 innovation programme. investigating the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, starting with a dual-fuel system. 

MTC's Solution

The route to meeting this challenge, in working through the HS2 innovation programme, involves:

  • Engaging with stakeholders from across the construction and hydrogen sectors.
  • Producing a market analysis of the exiting hydrogen landscape and related supply chain.
  • Developing a strategic business case for the use of hydrogen in HGV's, risk and benefits of entering into an emerging market.

All of this activity paves the way for a new collaborative hydrogen innovation hub.

HS2's extensive innovation programme is aimed at supporting the transition from diesel to zero emissions by developing and trialling alternative technologies to inform future solutions. The hydrogen sector will play an important role in decarbonising construction, and will help HS2 meet our stringent objectives to avoid and reduce emissions on-site as well as improving local air quality. 

Andrea Davidson, Air Quality Lead, HS2 Ltd

The Outcome

A stakeholder briefing and workshop session was held in September 2021 involving several organisations. 

Outputs included: 

  • A commitment to create a multi-organisation demand profile for large scale engagements across the UK over the next 10-15 years.
  • Suggestion of the creation of National Hydrogen Hub round table events to share lessons learned across all industries.
Benefits to the Client
  • Reduce time taken to engage with the hydrogen industry and bringing innovation to market.
  • Carbon emissions associated with the construction phase of HS2 could be significantly reduced.
  • Support decision making on costing with better access to information, allows for more environment-aware logistics choices.
2.4%
Of GDP commitment by UK Government for R&D investment by 2027
50%
Carbon reduction target Main Works Civil Contractor, Stations and Rail System Contractors
3 HGVs
Retrofitted to demonstrate the Dual-Fuel technology in construction activities
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