HS2 is continuing to pioneer the use of new energy technology, introducing a hydrogen fuel cell for zero emissions operations on site. 

Mace Dragados Joint Venture, the construction team building HS2’s new Euston station, is trialling a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by AFC Energy, to charge a fully electric JCB telehandler.

Dubbed the ‘H-Power Tower’, the unit is currently being used to charge the electric telehandler. 

It is an entirely emission-free solution, reducing noise and capacity requirements from mains power. 

The H-Power Tower is also being used to charge lighting towers and a water pump on site.

The hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which react across an electrochemical cell to produce electricity, with water and heat being the only by-products. 

Charging electric construction machinery with zero-emission solutions at point of use provides a real step forward in decarbonising the activities of construction activities where mains supply is not possible.

HS2’s head of environmental sciences, Andrea Davidson, said: “HS2 is championing the use of environmentally friendly energy solutions across the project, and this is another great example of just that. 

“Reducing the reliance on mains sources of power while still moving away from diesel generated power is critical for the UKs low carbon future and trialling the use of hydrogen power to charge electric machines and for plant equipment as a whole will be a major step forward for the wider construction sector.”

HS2 has continually challenged its contractors to find new, innovative methods of construction and power supply that will result in lower emissions, be greener, and more environmentally friendly. 

This is just one of the many ways HS2 is reducing carbon emissions and air pollution typically projected in construction and accelerating HS2 sites to be diesel free by 2029. 

HS2 is also collaborating with the Construction Leadership Council to develop a Zero Diesel Site route map. 

The plan is currently out for consultation until December 3 and the construction industry is being invited to provide feedback.