National Highways has launched its first-ever construction project powered entirely by green hydrogen, using the technology on a road improvement scheme in Merseyside as part of wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the road network.
The trial is taking place on a £7 million safety upgrade project at the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane junction in Netherton, near Bootle. The scheme involves the installation of new pedestrian crossings and associated highway improvements.
Instead of relying on diesel generators or a mains electricity connection, the construction compound is being operated using a hydrogen fuel cell generator system. The setup powers site offices, welfare facilities, kitchens, drying rooms and electric vehicle charging points.
National Highways said the project marks the first time one of its construction compounds has operated entirely using hydrogen-generated electricity.
The hydrogen-powered system has been in use since work began in November and is being delivered in partnership with contractor Galliford Try.
Officials say the trial demonstrates how hydrogen technology could provide a cleaner alternative for construction sites where access to the national grid is unavailable or impractical.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, allowing electricity generation without the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels.
National Highways Chief Operating Officer Duncan Smith said the organisation is committed to reducing emissions linked to maintaining and improving the strategic road network. He described the hydrogen-powered compound as an important example of how low-carbon technologies can be introduced into infrastructure projects.
Smith added that while the technology is currently being piloted, falling costs could make hydrogen a more common replacement for diesel-powered site generators in future.
Galliford Try’s Head of Low Carbon, Poppy Parsons, said diesel hybrid generators have traditionally been used on sites lacking permanent grid access, but the switch to green hydrogen had eliminated emissions linked to site power generation while also reducing noise and improving local air quality.
She said the trial had demonstrated that hydrogen systems can provide reliable power without compromising operational performance and confirmed the company is exploring wider deployment of the technology across future projects.
According to National Highways, the hydrogen compound is reducing carbon emissions from the project by up to 2.5 tonnes per week while also creating a quieter working environment for nearby residents and site staff.
The trial supports broader environmental targets set by both organisations. National Highways aims to achieve net zero emissions from maintenance and construction activities by 2040, while Galliford Try has committed to reducing emissions by 42% before 2030.
National Highways has increasingly highlighted hydrogen as a key technology within future low-carbon infrastructure delivery. Earlier this year, the organisation also confirmed that green hydrogen would play a significant role in supporting construction activities on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing project.
