Balfour Beatty PLC has announced the launch of its M77 Hydrogen project, a significant step in its decarbonization efforts. The project aims to establish Scotland's first construction hydrogen hub, demonstrating the viability of hydrogen technology for heavy plant and equipment. The company has successfully retrofitted two salt spreader HGVs and one Impact Protection Vehicle (IPV) with a hybrid hydrogen system, achieving a 26% carbon reduction during road tests. The project is a result of collaboration with ULEMCo, Logan Energy, and PlusZero, supported by both internal funding and £243,000 from the Scottish Government.
The company has set up green hydrogen supply, onsite storage, and refueling infrastructure, and is currently analyzing road test data to identify further improvements. Balfour Beatty has learned that retrofitting existing vehicles with hydrogen technology is straightforward and effective, providing significant carbon savings. However, the main challenges encountered include the cost of retrofit and the limited availability of hydrogen refuellers and hydrogen gas, with the hydrogen supply landscape in Scotland expected to improve from 2026.
Collaboration with partners like Aberdeen City Council and First Bus Aberdeen has been crucial, with the company sharing insights from their hydrogen refueling experiences. Balfour Beatty plans to host quarterly lessons learned sessions and visits to its M77 depot, aiming to thoroughly test its spreaders throughout the winter maintenance cycle and continue analyzing IPV data to optimize fuel displacement. Additionally, the company plans to leverage funding to support its supply chain in transitioning to hydrogen and advocate for competitive green hydrogen fuel rates.
Balfour Beatty's proactive approach, grounded in real-world application and collaboration, sets it apart as a pioneer in the field of hydrogen technology in construction. The company aims to continue leading the way in driving decarbonization with hydrogen hybrid technology.