Responsive Image Banner

UK contractor’s trial of solar and hydrogen cuts diesel use by 20,000 litres

Kier is trialling solar panels backed up by green-hydrogen-powered fuel cells on a site in Somerset, UK Kier is trialling solar panels backed up by green-hydrogen-powered fuel cells on a site in Somerset, UK (Image courtesy of Kier)

UK contractor Kier claims to have saved 20,000 litres of diesel during the early trial of solar power with a green hydrogen backup on one of its construction sites.

The trial, undertaken in partnership with the Environment Agency, is running at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset. It is designed to test whether a hybrid energy system combining solar panels and green hydrogen fuel cells can provide a viable off-grid power supply for construction projects, particularly at sites without access to mains electricity.

Over the first four months of 2025, the system delivered a total of 16,047kWh to support welfare and office facilities on site. Of that, 6,588kWh came from solar generation, 9,171kWh from green hydrogen, and 287kWh from back-up batteries. By avoiding reliance on conventional diesel generators, Kier estimates that the trial has prevented approximately 53 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions at the point of use—the equivalent of driving nearly 200,000 miles in a diesel car.

The technology being trialled integrates solar photovoltaic panels with hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage to deliver continuous, zero-emission power at the point of use. Kier said the system not only reduces carbon emissions, but also minimises on-site noise and eliminates fuel spill risks commonly associated with diesel-powered generation.

Jo Driffield, senior engineer within the Environment Agency’s Innovation Team, said the pilot was intended to test both the technical feasibility and practical deployment of hydrogen-fuelled systems at scale. The initiative forms part of the agency’s Innovation Fund programme and reflects a broader industry push to identify scalable alternatives to diesel on temporary construction sites. “This early trial is critical to help understand the technology. Conducting trials like this will demonstrate the demand for hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, which is needed to help support the investment into the production and supply to the construction industry and other uses.,” she said.

Kier’s sustainability lead for its Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks business, Hannah McIlroy, said the trial was generating interest across the company and from its partners. “It is great to see how we are working so closely together with our clients and the supply chain to explore ways to collectively reduce our carbon emissions. I know that colleagues in Kier and the wider construction industry are keen to discover how our sustainable energy trial is progressing and we are looking forward to sharing more,” she said.

Supplied by TCP Group, which produces its own hydrogen fuel cell lighting towers and power units, as well as renting plant and equipment out to the construction industry, the installation is the company’s largest hybrid hydrogen system deployed to date. TCP managing director Andrew Barker said the trial was already informing future product development. “As our largest-ever hybrid hydrogen solution for site welfare installed to date, it’s already proving a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and help shape energy conservation practices based on robust data monitoring,” he said.

Since the trial started, a second fuel cell has been added, while air conditioning is also now being powered on the site. Data monitoring has also been integrated into the site’s internal communications, which Kier said was to encourage behavioural change and performance awareness among staff.

The trial is expected to continue through at least the end of 2025.

Latest news
US Green Building Council unveils guidance for sustainable school construction
Contractors with education and municipal backlog urged to prepare for evolving material and certification standards
US backs $10bn autonomous rail corridor between Texas and Mexico
Project receives US presidential permit for freight rail connecting Laredo, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico
Granite JV secures key contract in US$2.7bn water programme
The Southern Nevada Water Authority awards Granite JV work under multi-billion Horizon Lateral scheme
Sprawling US$1bn youth sports complex project in Florida moves forward
A massive 159-acre project in the US South targets 2025 groundbreaking
Australian mega project completed almost seven months early
Australian airport in Sydney completed ahead of schedule and on budget
EFCA calls for ambitious reform of EU public procurement rules
EFCA’s paper sets out a range of recommendations aimed at shifting procurement practices towards long-term value creation
More News
Videos
Podcast: The EQ shift in construction leadership
Premium Content
Jevon Wooden on emotional intelligence’s role in boosting employee engagement and business performance 
Video: Perkins debuts a battery electric power unit at Bauma 2025
Perkins debuts its battery electric power unit technical demonstrator at Bauma in Munich, Germany
PODCAST: Kubota Execs Talk Autonomous Tech at CES 2025
Premium Content
Todd Stucke and Brett McMickell highlight the technology behind the company’s smart autonomous solutions
More Videos
Sponsored Content
STAY CONNECTED

Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.

Sign up

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Andy Brown Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786224 E-mail: andy.brown@khl.com
Neil Gerrard Senior Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 7355 092 771 E-mail: neil.gerrard@khl.com
Catrin Jones Editor, Editorial, UK – Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 791 2298 133 E-mail: catrin.jones@khl.com
Eleanor Shefford Brand Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786 236 E-mail: eleanor.shefford@khl.com
CONNECT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA