Using hydrogen to transform sustainability in the construction sector.
Over the past couple of decades, it has become clear that every business in every sector needs to play its part in reducing its carbon footprint. But one industry that can make a huge difference is construction, which is currently responsible for an incredible 40 percent of global carbon emissions.
The industry has already made significant strides in improving sustainability, most notably by adopting more environmentally responsible building materials. Yet the real elephant in the room remains the question of power generation. While the building industry remains reliant on diesel to power its equipment, any significant reduction in carbon emissions will be impossible.
We are all aware of the potential of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. But is it a viable option for the construction sector? As usual, the answer lies somewhere between yes and no.
An ideal solution in theory
Hydrogen produces clean energy, unlike diesel, and is delivered on demand, so is not weather-dependent like solar and wind energy. It is also dense, meaning it has advantages over batteries from a transportation and storage perspective.
Indeed, in many ways, hydrogen is the ideal power solution for the construction industry. But if it was that simple, it would already be in use.
Logistical complications
When looking at the cons of hydrogen fuel for construction industry use, we come up against the same old problems. Storage and delivery is complex due to lack of infrastructure and the need to either compress it to extremely high pressure or liquify it, meaning keeping the temperature below -253C. As well as cost and complexity, these factors make it highly hazardous, and the potential implications of a leak or explosion at a construction site do not bear thinking about.
There is also the cost factor. Aside from the massive investment that switching costs would necessitate, Hydrogen is expensive to generate and is more costly than other options. Unlike renewables and electric, there are few if any government initiatives or subsidies. Ultimately, money talks and it is hard to envisage mass uptake unless there is some financial incentive or at least offset.
Compromises are possible
In short, the construction industry is not going to entirely wean itself away from fossil fuels in the immediate future. But perhaps that is OK. Electric vehicles and hybrids were a fringe choice 20 years ago, but enough people bought in to those early Honda Insights and Toyota Priuses to kick start the industry, and just look at the EV market today.
Businesses like Hydrologiq and Aggreko are already providing Hydrogen gensets that can be set up at construction site to carry at least some of the fuel burden. Even more exciting are the Hydrogen truck trials that are currently being trialed in Europe. If they prove viable, expect construction companies to rapidly adopt them to replace diesel fleets.
There is clearly a place for Hydrogen in the energy mix of the future and there is no time like now for construction businesses to look at taking the first tentative steps.
Using Hydrogen to Transform Sustainability in the Construction Sector, May 30, 2023
