A pioneering trial combining solar power with green hydrogen to supply electricity on a Somerset construction site has shown promising early results, potentially paving the way for cleaner energy use in the construction industry.
Since January, the Environment Agency and Kier have been testing a system at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier project that uses solar panels backed up by green hydrogen fuel cells to power onsite welfare and office facilities. This 12-month trial is aimed at demonstrating whether renewable energy can reliably replace diesel generators where mains electricity is unavailable.
Over the first four months, from the start of January to the end of April, the site consumed a total of 16,047kWh has been used at the site; 6,588kWh came from solar power (41%), 9,171kWh from green hydrogen (57%) and 287kWh from the back-up batteries (2%).
Compared to running the site on a conventional diesel generator, the trial has saved an estimated 20,000 litres of diesel and cut around 53t of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to carbon output from 350 one-way flights between London and Glasgow.
The zero-emission system integrates solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage, providing a steady supply of clean energy while cutting noise pollution and eliminating the risk of fuel spills often associated with diesel generators. Site managers have also adapted the setup in response to operational needs, adding an extra fuel cell and air conditioning, and enhanced energy monitoring data is being shared internally to promote sustainable behaviours among workers.
Experts from specialist firm TCP Group have been involved in planning, installation and monitoring, helping to refine the system’s performance through real-time data analysis.
This trial forms part of wider efforts within the construction sector to reduce carbon emissions, which accounts for a significant chunk of UK emissions when including electricity and heat generation associated with construction activities. If successful and scalable, the approach could offer a practical solution to power remote or off-grid sites while supporting net zero goals. Further results and assessments will be published after the trial concludes next year.
Electricity on the site is coming from solar panels backed up by green hydrogen fuel cells
Environment Agency Innovation Team senior engineer Jo Driffield said: “This early trial is critical to help understand the technology. Through our Innovation Fund, we are supporting Kier’s trial at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme with its innovation pairing solar with a hydrogen fuel cell back up at this scale of deployment.
“This trial is a big step forward to help the Environment Agency realise our net zero goals and a sustainable future. Conducting trials like this will demonstrate the demand for hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, which is needed to help support the investment into the production and supply to the construction industry and other uses.”
Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks communications and sustainability director Hannah McIlroy said: “It is great to see how we are working so closely together with our clients and the supply chain to explore ways to collectively reduce our carbon emissions. I know that colleagues in Kier and the wider construction industry are keen to discover how our sustainable energy trial is progressing and we are looking forward to sharing more.”
TCP Group managing director Andrew Barker said: “We’re proud to be collaborating with Kier on this vital project in Somerset. As our largest-ever hybrid hydrogen solution for site welfare installed to date, it’s already proving a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and help shape energy conservation practices based on robust data monitoring.”
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