Kier trials use of solar and green hydrogen fuel cells to meet on site needs

Contractor Kier and the Environment Agency are trialling the use of solar and green hydrogen energy at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset. The minimum 12-month trial is designed to explore whether solar power with a green hydrogen backup is a viable primary power supply on construction sites where access to mains electricity is not available and whether the approach is scalable for the demands of large-scale construction sites.

Using kit supplied by Maldon, Essex based TCP, since the start of January to the end of April 2025, a total of 16,047 kWh has been used at the site - 6,588 kWh from solar power, 9,171 kWh from green hydrogen and 287 kWh from the back-up batteries.

When compared to an equivalent diesel generator to run the site with no additional interventions, the trial has generated estimated savings of around 20,000 litres of diesel, resulting in approximately 53,000 kgCO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) avoided at the point of use. That’s the equivalent savings of 195,000 miles in an average diesel car or 350 one-way flights from London to Glasgow.

The technology supplied to site aims to be zero emission at the point of use due to its combination of solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells. Incorporating a battery that integrates with solar panels allows the system to convert energy directly into clean, renewable power, resulting in a continuous power supply. As well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, it also reduces noise levels on site for both people and wildlife and avoids the potential spill risks associated with diesel generators.

Jo Driffield, senior engineer, within the Environment Agency Innovation Team 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."

Hannah McIlroy, communications and sustainability director, Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks added "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."