Kier and the Environment Agency are hailing early success from a groundbreaking trial to ditch diesel in favour of solar power and green hydrogen on site.

The 12-month test at the £250m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme in Somerset is assessing whether off-grid sites can run their welfare and office facilities on a combination of solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage.

From January to April, the system clocked up 16,000 kWh of clean power — with over 6,600 kWh from solar, 9,100 kWh from hydrogen, and just 300kWh drawn from back-up batteries.

Compared to a traditional diesel generator, the trial has already saved around 20,000 litres of diesel and avoided 53 tonnes of CO₂e — equal to driving 195,000 miles in a diesel car or taking 350 flights from London to Glasgow.

As well as slashing emissions, the setup has helped cut noise and eliminate diesel spill risks.

Jo Driffield, senior engineer at the Environment Agency, said: “This trial is a big step forward in helping the EA realise our net zero goals. It also demonstrates the demand for green hydrogen, which is critical to decarbonising construction.”

TCP Group supplied the hybrid power system. Managing director Andrew Barker called it “our largest-ever hybrid hydrogen welfare solution” and said it was already delivering a fantastic opportunity to shape future energy practices.

Kier’s Hannah McIlroy added: “We’re working closely with our clients and supply chain to cut emissions and share learnings across the industry.”