HS2 trials innovative dual-fuelled piling rig that reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions

This post was originally published on this site

Four 30m deep piles were installed on a London site as part of a trial by dual fuel technology specialist Ulemco and Cementation Skanska, working with the Business Research Establishment (BRE).

A dual-fuel system enables both diesel and biofuels (HVO) to be mixed with hydrogen, displacing the fuel with hydrogen, resulting in a reduction in fuel use and lower CO2 emissions.

Ulemco and Cementation Skanska modified a medium sized CFA piling rig, converting it so the machine component operated using energy from on-board hydrogen tanks.

Following successful yard trials simulating the technology, the rig was brought onto a HS2 site in London where it has completed piling works for HS2, demonstrating that the dual-fuel adaptation can be applied more widely across the construction sector supporting the decarbonisation of plant and machinery.

The trial is one of several initiatives being undertaken by HS2 Ltd in its commitment to decarbonising construction sites and achieving completely diesel-free sites by 2029. To date, 19 HS2 sites operate entirely diesel-free.

Speaking about the success of the dual-fuel piling rig on a HS2 site, Andrea Davidson, head of environmental sciences for HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2 is continuing to drive a positive change in the construction sector and is providing an important environment to develop the real-world use of hydrogen energy technology.

“The development of dual-fuel systems that can be used to adapt existing equipment so it can run off cleaner, low carbon energy sources, could be a game changer across the construction sector.”

Now that it has been shown that the technology can work in a real-world scenario, Ulemco and Cementation Skanksa are looking at how this technology can be used more widely, reducing embodied carbon in construction and reducing impacts on local communities near construction sites. 

Terry Muckian, managing director, Cementation Skanska said: “Using this rig in a real-world environment to install piles on a commercial site is an exciting milestone. It follows the success of the simulated trials last year and is the next step towards rolling the technology out more widely.

“This project goes beyond piling and ground engineering, it provides proof of concept for converting other types of heavy construction equipment, paving the way to construction site decarbonisation.”

Amanda Lyne, managing director of Ulemco said: “The machines used in construction are owned and used for many years, so demonstrating a decarbonisation solution that utilises these existing assets is not only cost-effective but also important for sustainability.”

The works were funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy as part of its red diesel replacement competition.

Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.