Gallagher Group has successfully carried out a hydrogen-powered plant trial at its Hermitage Quarry in Kent, which has been described as a “landmark” achievement.
The project was carried out in collaboration with the Lower Thames Crossing project, JCB, and Ryze Power. Lower Thames Crossing is planning to eliminate diesel usage for construction sites by 2027 with this project being its first trial of low-carbon, hydrogen combustion-powered machinery.
The trial involved a demonstration of JCB 540-180H Loadall in masonry operations at the Kent-based quarry. The trial results showed zero tailpipe emissions and a potential CO₂ savings of around 205 kg per machine per week compared to a diesel-powered machine.
“A part of our own journey to NetZero and in keeping with our drive for low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions, Gallagher were delighted to host and carry out this Hydrogen Trial in Partnership with JCB, Lower Thames Crossing and RYZE,” Gallagher Aggregates Limited managing director Sean Connor said.
“As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, Gallagher is proud to be at the forefront of adopting new innovative solutions.”
The Lower Thames Crossing’s project is set to begin construction in 2026. The project is noted as being one of the first of its kind in UK to power heavy plant machinery, alongside electric vehicles through hydrogen.
“The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project, designed to be the greenest road ever built in Britain,” Lower Thames Crossing executive director Matt Palmer said.
“At the heart of these plans is the use of clean low-carbon hydrogen power, and by using it on such a large scale to power our heavy construction machinery that is traditionally hard to electrify, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel, and help kick start the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.”
