Hydrogen proves a hit
Jackson and TCP have refined their hydrogen offering over four years.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a clean, low carbon energy source to support routes to Net Zero.
Our impact
70%
Less emissions than traditional fuels
0
The amount polluting nitrogen oxides (Nox) emitted
14
Highest number of cabins we’ve powered with HFCs
A move away from diesel generators
During the first quarter of 2022, Jackson Civil Engineering and its specialist supply chain partner TCP Eco collaborated with the Environment Agency (EA) to explore options to replace on-site diesel generators, which had been attracting complaints of pollution and noise.
This resulted in a 12-week trial at Godmanchester Lock in Cambridgeshire, intended as a ‘proof-of-concept’ to assess the practicality of operating a small civil engineering site office and welfare cabin setup solely on hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology.
By combining hydrogen and air in the presence of a catalyst, a fuel cell generates electricity to drive an electric motor with water vapour as the only by-product. HFCs are emerging as a clean, safe and low carbon energy source to support routes to Net Zero.
Balancing act: Vehicle movements are restricted to protect wildlife including over-wintering as well as nesting birds.
Renewable inputs, such as solar PV panels and mains power, have been combined with our hydrogen fuel cells.
Success
The trial proved a success, and in the years that have followed Jackson and TCP Eco have expanded the use of HFCs to power multiple and larger site compounds for the EA.
Together we have learnt a great deal and along the way the offering has been refined.
Welfare cabin supplier, Algeco, has adapted its cabins to accommodate energy efficient air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and we know more about how much hydrogen is required per cabin and what level of battery pack and inverters are needed to support them.
Other renewable inputs, such as solar PV panels and mains power, have been combined with the system to complement the hydrogen fuel cells.
Recognition
With the technology proven, we have expanded the use of HFCs to power pumps and power tools on a scheme for the Canal and Rivers Trust near Leicester.
The system was also used to power festoon lighting and a bubble curtain at Bewdley in Worcestershire where a Jackson team was working close to people’s homes and wanted a solution to reduce noise disturbance for local residents.
Industry recognition has also come in the shape of a Considerate Constructors Scheme Environment Leading Lights Award, a Green Apple Environment Award and a Merit for Sustainability from the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Each success gives us the confidence to push forward and innovate further and we hope to have more to report soon. Watch this (hydrogen-filled) space!!
We expanded the use hydrogen to power pumps and tools on a scheme for the Canal and Rivers Trust near Leicester.
