In order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the United Kingdom is not idle. Instead, it’s investing in revolutionary technologies that could change industries. A lynchpin of this eco-friendly transformation is hydrogen. To fund innovative projects centred around hydrogen-based technologies, the UK provides around £25.7 million in grants under Phase 2 of the Red Diesel Replacement (RDR) competition. The investment is poised to leverage an additional £14.2 million from private sources.
Where the Hydrogen Flows
One standout project is by CATAGEN Limited, located in Belfast, receiving a whopping £6,274,318.73. This venture aims to “produce a robust set of equipment, integrating conventional and novel technologies,” specifically targeting the quarrying and recycling industries. Of particular note is the focus on hydrogen dispensing technologies. CATAGEN’s hybrid compression and dispensing tech will work in tandem with WRIGHTBUS to create a fully integrated hydrogen solution. “The benefits of this concept lie in the integration of well-proven equipment with new technology capable of delivering a fully decarbonized, robust solution for the industry,” states the project description.
The H2 Generation
With a grant of £4,823,728.13, AFC Energy plans to demonstrate how hydrogen can replace red diesel at UK quarry sites. The consortium will utilize modular, scalable hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen carrier conversion systems. “The project will demonstrate the supply chain and technology of AFC Energy’s H-Power S/S+ Series emissions-free hydrogen gensets,” the project details note. This isn’t just a pie-in-the-sky notion; they’ve planned month-long deployments at two quarry locations to prove the technology works in real-world conditions.
Building the Hydrogen Infrastructure
Ryze Hydrogen, operating out of Oxford, addresses a different kind of issue: the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure on construction sites. With a grant amount of £3,212,280.99, the project aims to develop a “new suite of production-ready modular hydrogen refuelling technologies.” Different refuelling equipment configurations will be demonstrated at working test quarries, making this project one of the most comprehensive in the lot. “It will support development and dissemination of standard operating procedures, site safety, equipment standardization and hydrogen knowledge sharing,” the project outlines.
Not Just Building, But Transforming
BAM Nuttall’s Element1 project is a game-changer, too. With a grant of £4,872,653.62, it will focus on the entire hydrogen ecosystem, from production to on-site usage. Dual fuel technology is the key here, enabling construction plants to smoothly transition from diesel to hydrogen. “The demonstration will support market assessment and business cases for investment and will measure and assess impacts on site productivity and emissions compared to conventional diesel plant,” the project overview states.
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