EKFB, a key player in the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project, has implemented GeoPura’s green hydrogen-powered generators at two construction sites in Aylesbury. This move marks a significant advancement in the project’s commitment to sustainability.
HS2, a major high-speed rail initiative, is under construction across England, with EKFB tasked with building an 80-kilometer segment of the Phase 1 route. The integration of hydrogen technology into the construction process reflects a broader trend towards cleaner energy solutions.
The deployment follows a successful trial, which demonstrated that hydrogen generators can substantially cut diesel use and lower emissions. As a result, the use of GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) has been extended for the full duration of the HS2 project.
The HPUs, which utilize advanced fuel cell technology, convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapor as a by-product. This is a significant improvement over traditional diesel generators, which are notorious for their high carbon emissions and air pollutants. The HPUs have been installed at the Footpath SMA9 Accommodation Overbridge Compound and the Thame Valley Viaduct sites, both of which are in rural areas with limited access to grid power.
Andrea Davidson, HS2’s Head of Carbon & Climate Change, emphasized the importance of this technology: “The use of hydrogen generators provides major air quality benefits, reducing harmful pollutants and supporting local communities around the construction sites. This is crucial as we strive towards our goal of net zero by 2035 and aim to eliminate diesel use on all sites by 2029.”
Alan Silverster, EKFB’s Carbon Manager, highlighted the role of hydrogen in their carbon strategy: “Transitioning away from diesel and other fossil fuels is a key element of our carbon strategy. The hydrogen generators offer a versatile and clean energy solution that helps reduce the carbon footprint of our operations. The positive impact of these units has been evident from the start, and we are committed to furthering research and development in this area.”
Since their deployment, the HPUs have achieved notable environmental benefits, saving over 189 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and reducing NOx emissions by 1,635 kg, CO by 898 kg, and particulate matter by 63 kg.
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, praised the project’s success: “The effective use of GeoPura HPUs at EKFB’s sites showcases the practicality and environmental advantages of hydrogen-fueled generators. We are proud to support EKFB and HS2 in their efforts to eliminate diesel use, contributing to a more sustainable infrastructure legacy.”
As green hydrogen technology continues to advance and become more widely available, hydrogen-powered generators are expected to play an increasingly significant role in achieving net-zero construction practices.
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