The trial, undertaken in partnership with the Environment Agency, is running at the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset. It is designed to test whether a hybrid energy system combining solar panels and green hydrogen fuel cells can provide a viable off-grid power supply for construction projects, particularly at sites without access to mains electricity.

Over the first four months of 2025, the system delivered a total of 16,047kWh to support welfare and office facilities on site. Of that, 6,588kWh came from solar generation, 9,171kWh from green hydrogen, and 287kWh from back-up batteries. By avoiding reliance on conventional diesel generators, Kier estimates that the trial has prevented approximately 53 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO鈧俥) emissions at the point of use鈥攖he equivalent of driving nearly 200,000 miles in a diesel car.

The technology being trialled integrates solar photovoltaic panels with hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage to deliver continuous, zero-emission power at the point of use. Kier said the system not only reduces carbon emissions, but also minimises on-site noise and eliminates fuel spill risks commonly associated with diesel-powered generation.

Jo Driffield, senior engineer within the Environment Agency鈥檚 Innovation Team, said the pilot was intended to test both the technical feasibility and practical deployment of hydrogen-fuelled systems at scale. The initiative forms part of the agency鈥檚 Innovation Fund programme and reflects a broader industry push to identify scalable alternatives to diesel on temporary construction sites. 鈥淭his early trial is critical to help understand the technology. 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.,鈥� she said.

Kier鈥檚 sustainability lead for its Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks business, Hannah McIlroy, said the trial was generating interest across the company and from its partners. 鈥淚t 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,鈥� she said.

Supplied by TCP Group, which produces its own hydrogen fuel cell lighting towers and power units, as well as renting plant and equipment out to the construction industry, the installation is the company鈥檚 largest hybrid hydrogen system deployed to date. TCP managing director Andrew Barker said the trial was already informing future product development. 鈥淎s our largest-ever hybrid hydrogen solution for site welfare installed to date, it鈥檚 already proving a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and help shape energy conservation practices based on robust data monitoring,鈥� he said.

Since the trial started, a second fuel cell has been added, while air conditioning is also now being powered on the site. Data monitoring has also been integrated into the site鈥檚 internal communications, which Kier said was to encourage behavioural change and performance awareness among staff.

The trial is expected to continue through at least the end of 2025.