Reducing Emissions with an End-to-End Hydrogen Solution
A recent demonstration day in Manchester marked an exciting milestone for the Element 1 project, a government-backed initiative aimed at reducing fossil fuel use on construction sites through innovative hydrogen technology. The project, led by BAM UK & Ireland, brings together industry leaders from across construction, hydrogen, plant hire, and research sectors, showcasing the power of collaboration in achieving net-zero ambitions.
Backed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Element 1 unites expertise from partners including construction giants BAM UK & Ireland and Skanska, plant hire specialists Flannery Plant Hire and Plantforce, hydrogen solution providers GeoPura, ULEMCo, and Reynolds Logistics, and technical consultants from BRE and Constructing Excellence. Together, we’re building an end-to-end hydrogen solution designed to enable existing diesel equipment to be retrofitted for dual-fuel operation, significantly reducing emissions.
GeoPura’s Role in the Project: Hydrogen Supply and Refuelling Partner
As the hydrogen supply and refuelling partner for Element 1, GeoPura is supplying low-carbon green hydrogen, a zero-emission hydrogen powered generator, HPU, and an off-grid refuelling solution. These components were integral to the successful deployment of the dual-fuel excavators at Manchester’s Victoria North site, enabling on site hydrogen refuelling where grid access is unavailable, allowing the construction site to transition away from diesel reliance while keeping operational efficiency high. This solution offset approximately 30% of diesel consumption per machine, proving that sustainable energy alternatives can provide reliable power without compromising performance.
GeoPura’s HPU is also powering the site office and welfare facilities, allowing the team to remove the diesel generators traditionally used onsite and further cut carbon emissions. This holistic approach to power management underscores the potential for hydrogen-powered equipment to integrate seamlessly into construction sites, offering both environmental benefits and practicality.
Showcasing Innovation at Manchester’s Victoria North
During the demonstration day, partners and guests from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero had the chance to see Element 1’s hybrid excavators working efficiently on-site. This was a pivotal moment for GeoPura and its partners, who were able to demonstrate not only the ease of operating and refuelling dual-fuel hydrogen systems but also the impact of this innovation on reducing emissions.
The event wrapped up with a roundtable discussion on the path forward for hydrogen technology in construction, highlighting the potential for widespread industry adoption.
Expanding Impact: Deploying Dual-Fuel Excavators Across Sites
With four dual-fuel excavators now fully operational and a hydrogen bowser in the final stages of testing, the Element 1 project is gearing up to deploy hydrogen-powered machinery across multiple construction sites within reach of GeoPura’s green hydrogen production facility near Doncaster. Each site will benefit from emissions reduction and improved air quality, underscoring the versatility and scalability of hydrogen fuel solutions in construction.
The Element 1 project marks a significant leap toward decarbonising construction, and GeoPura is proud to be at the forefront, providing a clean, sustainable power solution that meets the industry’s evolving needs.
Watch the video filmed on site at the demonstration day to hear from Tej Chadeesingh, the R&D Engineer leading the project at GeoPura.
Contact us to find out more about how hydrogen can reduce carbon emissions on your next construction project.
