CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > August 2024 43 GUEST ARTICLE: 2 decarbonisation but also maximises the value of current investments. It offers a cost-effective pathway to reduce emissions and extends the lifespan of existing machinery, thereby supporting sustainability goals. The HEA is strongly advocating for the inclusion of retrofit solutions in regulatory frameworks, communicating the successful retrofitting projects in the UK and across the EU, which have demonstrated that safety and efficiency can be maintained with proper standards and protocols. Drawing on Experience Valuable lessons can be drawn from both the Netherlands and Norway. The Netherlands has implemented a Subsidy for Clean and Zero Emission Construction Equipment (SSEB), which offers distinct funding streams for purchasing, retrofitting, and experimental innovation. Similarly, the Norwegian Government provides subsidies for the purchase of electric NRMM, covering up to 40% of the additional cost compared to diesel alternatives. Implementing a similar incentive scheme for hydrogen could be crucial in realising its potential to decarbonise NRMM. Future Prospects and Collaboration The potential of hydrogen in the construction sector extends beyond machinery. Hydrogen can play a significant role in decarbonising various aspects of construction, from powering equipment to providing heat and electricity for building sites. Collaboration across the industry, from manufacturers to end-users, is essential to harness this potential fully. In Summary Hydrogen offers a path to significant emissions reductions and operational efficiencies in the construction sector. The transition to a hydrogen-powered future in construction and plant machinery is not just a possibility; steps are already being made to ensure that the benefits offered by hydrogen in this sector are realised, providing operators with practical decarbonisation solutions. The HEA is advocating for policies that support this transition and is working with a range of stakeholders to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the construction industry. With the right regulatory framework and industry collaboration, the potential for hydrogen to revolutionise construction and plant machinery is immense. We’re dedicated to leading this charge, ensuring that hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Case Study: Members of the Hydrogen Energy Association - Reynolds Logistics, ULEMCo, and Geopura - are collaborating in a cross-industry consortium led by BAM, known as Element 1. This project is developing hydrogen as a supplement to reduce diesel usage on construction sites and is funded by a £4,872,653 grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The project unites expertise from various sectors: construction (BAM and Skanska), plant hire (Flannery and Plantforce), the hydrogen sector (ULEMCo, GeoPura, Reynolds Logistics), and the research and technical organisation BRE. Element 1 aims to enhance hydrogen manufacturing and supply chain efficiency through off-site and on-site production, off-grid compression, and innovative storage and distribution solutions. The system is designed to accelerate the replacement of diesel on construction sites by using engines capable of operating with 30-50% hydrogen, significantly reducing diesel consumption. This approach allows for the continued use of existing machinery, minimising the carbon footprint associated with scrapping equipment before the end of its useful life. Spanning two years, the aim is to offer practical solutions demonstrated on active construction sites, reducing the construction industry’s dependence on fossil fuels. By bringing together various contractors and suppliers from across the sector, the Element 1 project is set to drive advancements in hydrogen manufacturing and supply chain efficiency.