Balfour Beatty says it achieved a 26% reduction in carbon during road tests after retrofitting two salt spreader HGVs with hybrid hydrogen technology.
The contractor also installed the system on one impact protection vehicle, resulting in a lower emissions reduction figure.
The tests are part of Balfour Beatty’s M77 Hydrogen project, which aims to be Scotland’s first construction hydrogen hub.
The contractor has also set up green hydrogen supply, onsite storage and refuelling infrastructure, and is now analysing its road test data to identify further improvements.
Balfour said that one of the main takeaways is that retrofitting existing vehicles with hydrogen technology is “straightforward and effective” and provides “significant carbon savings”.
“Vehicles can switch to diesel if hydrogen is unavailable, reducing risks associated with hydrogen supply. Minimal changes are needed for vehicle operation – drivers only require familiarisation with the refueling process,” said the contractor.
However, retrofitting costs and the current limited availability of hydrogen refuellers and hydrogen gas remain a challenge.
The project is the result of more than two years of collaboration with hydrogen commercial vehicle conversion company ULEMCo, Logan Energy and PlusZero. It has been funded both internally and through a £243,000 grant from the Scottish Government.
