The UK infrastructure construction sector uses >1bn litres/annum diesel (the wider construction sector accounts for circa 14% UK diesel consumption, ONS) with used to power construction plant and 1/3 for generators producing electricity for power, lighting and heating. There are an estimated 25-30,000 items of construction plant in the UK including dozers, dumpers, excavators, loaders, forklifts, rollers, sweepers, telehandlers, tractors; with c.14Mtonnes CO2/annum emitted. Construction plant manufacturers are developing both hydrogen and electricpowered alternatives to diesel. The likelihood is that both forms of power will be needed in addressing the wide range of scenarios for site construction. Hydrogendriven vehicles may be better suited to remote/rural areas where fuel deliveries can be effectively managed, whereas electric powered vehicles may be optimal in urban areas due to available charging infrastructure and tighter emissions/noise restrictions. However, hydrogen and electricity driven vehicles are not likely to be available yet available on a commercial basis for at least the next 25 years and, given the capital investment represented by the large existing fleet of diesel fuelled construction plant, there is a need for a phased transition to their use.
Element1’s Final Project Report
The Element1 collaborative R&D project team has now had its results published by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), following a huge team effort to deliver the project scope within budget and to the original programme. View the report here
