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igem news – yppc

HYDROGEN-POWERED

CONSTRUCTION SITE TRIAL

Michael Sinclair, Graduate Engineer at Cadent and YPPC 2021 distribution network operator (DNO), an
runner-up, summarises Cadent’s innovative trial investigating the independent power supply is required.
use of hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide green power to an This is mainly to provide welfare
facilities for workers on-site (cabins
off-grid construction site in North London, believed to be a first-use containing electric heaters, kettles,
case for a UK-based gas distribution network microwaves, and drying rooms) in
addition to lights and electrical tools.
AROUND 10 PER CENT of UK CO₂ business, while also creating more jobs. This power is typically provided by
emissions¹ can be directly associated The first objective is to introduce diesel generators – they are cheap,
with construction activities – making it net zero construction sites from 2023 reliable, and familiar, but they are also
an industrial sector that rapidly needs – a sector that is proving difficult to very harmful to the environment and
to decarbonise to achieve the UK’s goal decarbonise given the carbon-intensive can be noticeably loud. Cadent believes
of achieving net zero carbon emissions nature of various materials and the tackling diesel generators is a key step
by 2050. Cadent has also acknowledged power requirements of heavy machinery. on the path towards net zero and is
this challenge and is working to Cadent is constantly undertaking searching for more neighbour-friendly
introduce net zero construction sites construction activities due to the high ways of generating power.
from 2023². priority placed on maintaining asset
As the UK’s largest gas distribution health or installing new connections Target site
network, delivering natural gas to to the gas network. These sites can The site proposed for this trial was
around 11 million homes, Cadent vary in three main ways: footprint in Tottenham, North London. The
recognises the unprecedented level (land space), project length (time) and work involved the relocation of a
of change and investment required to demand (active workers and power pressure reduction station (PRS) as
decarbonise its wide range of assets requirements). part of the much wider Meridian Water
and operations. In October last year, However, one thing is guaranteed: redevelopment programme overseen by
Cadent launched its 10 Point Hydrogen for any off-grid site, i.e., where it is the London Borough of Enfield Council
Plan, outlining an ambitious and long- not feasible to install a temporary over the next 25 years³.
term commitment to decarbonise as a electrical connection to the local Enfield Council showed great interest

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