Civils contractors today welcomed National Highways’ deployment of a hydrogen-powered construction digger on the Lower Thames Crossing, describing it as a ‘milestone’ on the road to a zero-carbon construction sector.
National Highways has announced that the Lower Thames Crossing will be the first major infrastructure programme in Britain to be carbon neutral in construction, after a British-made JCB hydrogen-fuelled digger – the first deployed outside a test environment anywhere in the world – was used to carry out survey work on the project in Kent.
Commenting, Director of Policy & Public Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Ben Goodwin said: “This announcement is a milestone on UK construction’s journey to net zero, showing that the industry is moving from pilots to real-world decarbonisation on site.
“CECA members are investing in low-carbon plant, but more can be done to encourage this take-up. Contractors need clear and consistent safety standards for hydrogen plant, reliable on-site refuelling and supply capabilities, and a procurement system that recognises the benefits of this type of machinery.
“If hydrogen is to fulfil its potential as a source of fuel alongside battery and HVO alternatives, industry needs consistent client requirements, predictable fuel availability, and commercial models that reward emissions reduction without pushing unmanageable risk down the supply chain.
“This milestone is a major success for the client and for industry. The further roll-out of clean plant across the supply chain will require targeted support to ensure SMEs can benefit from new technologies, the sharing of best practice, and collaboration between clients, contractors, and plant manufacturers.
“Achieving a net zero construction industry in the UK is a challenge for all of us, but one our members are determined to rise to – so that we can see the high-growth, net-zero economy the UK will need in the 21st century.”
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