AFC Energy PLC (AIM:AFC, OTC:AFGYF, ETR:QC8) is to supply construction group Kier Group PLC (LSE:KIE) with hydrogen power generator units for deployment to a UK construction site.
Kier will lease an initial Power Tower generation unit set for an active UK construction site in the south-west of England, with deployment scheduled for the second half of 2022.
AFC Energy will source and supply hydrogen fuel to the site on commercial terms, where Kier will operate the system.
The Power Tower will power onsite cabins and is the first hydrogen fuel cell deployment undertaken by Kier.
If the pilot is successful, the aim is for a longer-term collaboration with additional fuel cell systems deployed in 2023.
Kier has a target of net-zero carbon by 2045 and the zero-emission HFC [hydrogen fuel cell] generators will offset power currently provided by diesel generators.
AFC said that the soaring cost of diesel had also influenced the contractor’s decision and highlighted the immediate need for construction and temporary power operators to find alternatives to diesel generators.
Chris Lilley, Kier’s health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability director, added: "This upcoming trial further demonstrates our commitment to sustainability.
"Following on from the trial in the south-west, we will assess other sites that we can use the Power Tower on."
Adam Bond, AFC Energy’s chief executive, added: “Contractors and plant hire businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse emissions and improve air quality; we are confident that our hydrogen fuel cells will play an important role in delivering a Net Zero UK construction industry."