Hydrologiq – Hydrogen powers Battery EV Charging and Site Battery in Plantworx first.
The UK’s only live construction equipment expo Plantworks hosted its first ever end-to-end demonstration of hydrogen power generation in June. Hydrologiq deployed a state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered fuel cell generator, powering an EV charger from BAM Charging Solutions and a mobile battery storage unit and site accommodation unit from Nixon Hire.
The deployment showcased the vast potential of hydrogen to replace loud, polluting diesel generators as the prime source of heavy-duty power for construction.
An end-to-end collaboration
The deployment was made possible through collaboration between Hydrologiq, a company making it easy for end users to access hydrogen power through managed service generator deployments; Renewable Generation Limited who supplied the fuel cell generator for the event; EODev, a hydrogen generator manufacturer; Nixon Hire, one of the UK’s leading site equipment hire companies, and BAM, a renowned Tier 1 contractor in the construction industry.
Together they unveiled an end-to-end system combining electric vehicle chargers, intelligent energy storage and distribution system, and eco-friendly site accommodation units – all powered by hydrogen.
Plantworx provided the perfect backdrop for this innovative demonstration. The live demonstration of a silently running hydrogen generator was a stark contrast to the surroundings of loud, diesel-consuming plant. It showcased what is possible and that options are available to help deliver the industry’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
How the generator works
Hydrologiq deployed a 110kVA EODev GEH2 V3 hydrogen fuel cell generator as it is the most common size of generator requested in construction. The generator takes hydrogen gas from compressed gas tanks and oxygen from the air and combines them to produce electricity and water vapour, offering a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil-fuel electricity sources. The use of fuel cell hydrogen powered generators significantly reduces carbon footprints by up to 98% while maintaining the performance and efficiency required for demanding construction applications.
When you’re off-grid, recharge with hydrogen
Nixon Hire, a trusted partner in the construction industry, showcased the “energy usage” side of a typical site, providing a site accommodation unit and intelligent 60kWh Li-ion energy storage and distribution system which can be easily integrated into any power generation setup – subsequently using intelligent load management for minimum fuel consumption and maximum emission reductions.
Equally, BAM Charging Solutions contributed to the showcase by providing a temporary battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging unit (“Site+”). This highlighted the point that hydrogen and batteries are both needed, and can work together, in the move to electrification and decarbonisation. With the deployment of the temporary EV charger alongside the hydrogen generator, an end-to-end full site system was demonstrated.
The deployment of the hydrogen fuel cell generator at Plantworx underscores the commitment of all five companies to driving positive change in the construction industry. By embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, they aim to collectively paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and energy-efficient future.
Benjamin Lindley, Director at Hydrologiq said:
Compared to the rumbling diesel-powered plant on display at Plantworks, our end-to-end demonstration ran whisper quiet with water vapour the only by-product. If anything, we needed a large sign saying, ‘Yes, this generator really is on!’
“Thank you to Renewable Generation Ltd, Nixon Hire and BAM for your invaluable support in demonstrating an off-grid site in microcosm. Collaboration is key to building a clean, quiet and sustainable future powered by hydrogen.”
Justin Mitchell, Senior Operations Manager at BAM Charging Solutions said:
BAM charging solutions are pleased to be working with Hydrologiq and Nixons to provide a full end to end solution for EV charging, using sustainable energy sources such as Hydrogen generators in areas where an off-grid connection is required.
“Being able to provide smart, temporary EV charging facilities with a full construction site set up remotely, is a great step forward for our sustainability strategy.”
Simon Gibbs, Head of Sales – Renewable Power at Nixon Hire said:
We were delighted to attend Plantworx with Hydrologiq to showcase the wide range of products now available to companies in the construction industry to allow them to run sites in the most eco-friendly way.
“By connecting one of our 30kVa/60kWh Battery Storage Units to the Hydrologiq Hydrogen Fuel Cell to power a site accommodation unit in a ‘real life’ site situation we could demonstrate how the BSU’s intelligent hybrid system ensured that the Hydrogen Fuel Cell provided 100% clean power to charge the Battery Storage Unit when depleted, which worked seamlessly.”
“Visitors to the stand could see that by simply connecting a couple of cutting-edge clean energy solutions provided by likeminded hire companies into a single system on site setups, unbeatable emission results could easily be achieved!”
About the collaborators
Hydrologiq is a leader in providing clean energy solutions to various industries. With a strong focus on sustainability, the company deploys hydrogen generators that enable organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and transition towards a greener future. More on Hydrologiq.
Renewable Generation Ltd provides a range of zero-emissions hydrogen generators for rental to a variety of industries. More on RGL.
EODev is French manufacturer of the GEH2 V3 hydrogen-powered generator. This unit weights just 3.3tonnes and boasts a minimal 3x1m footprint. With shareholders including Toyota, EODev’s factory now produces one GEH2 every day. More on EODev.
Nixon Hire has been a trusted provider of site equipment for over 55 years. In that time they have embraced change, invested in technology and pioneered market leading products to allow customers to meet their goals, whether that is improving their operational efficiencies, sustainability credentials or saving money. More on Nixon Hire.
BAM is a leading construction firm known for its expertise, reliability, and commitment to sustainability. The company specialises in large-scale construction projects and actively promotes environmentally conscious practices within the industry, and has a dedicated business unit for Power & Charging Solutions. More on BAM Charging Solutions.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Hydrogen powers BEV Charging and Site Battery in Plantworx first, Peterborough, UK, July 20, 2023