London-based contractor Keltbray is to trial a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) generator on one of its London construction sites.
The move comes as the government removes the red diesel subsidy of nearly 49p a litre this April. It is also against a backdrop of rapidly rising energy costs as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The company has reached a deal with hydrogen power firm AFC Energy to lease the generator as a showcase for how construction sites can move away from diesel and biodiesel generators.
The first generator will arrive on site in the second quarter of this year and Keltbray is considering using more HFC generators on other sites later in 2022.
The contractor and AFC have spent five months reviewing reviewing fuel cell power generators able to accept flex fuelling strategies across hydrogen ammonia and methanol. Last year, Keltbray set the target of achieving net zero by 2040 or sooner. It also made a commitment to support its clients to achieve their own net-zero targets.
Kiro Tamer, head of environmental sustainability at Keltbray, said: “We’re pleased to be announcing our collaboration with AFC Energy. This is an important step forward in our journey towards a net zero future.”
