Geo Pura will supply what its chief executive says is the largest volume of renewable hydrogen yet committed to a UK construction project for the Lower Thames Crossing, supporting National Highways’ aim of delivering the project with net-zero emissions. Fuel-cell hydrogen produces only water vapour, improving air quality for the workforce and nearby communities compared with conventional plant. The hydrogen contract covers around 2,500t of fuel, displacing more than 12 million litres of fossil diesel and avoiding an estimated 30,000t of carbon dioxide during main works. Geo Pura will oversee production, transport, storage and on-site distribution, allowing contractors to run generators and charge electric plant without tailpipe emissions.
Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “Today we’ve given the green light to green hydrogen. By replacing diesel with home grown hydrogen, we’re not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also helping clean up the construction sector.”
The Lower Thames Crossing forms part of a 23km road and tunnel link between Kent and Essex, designed to ease pressure on the strategic Dartford route. The wider scheme includes seven green footbridges, with the design of the first crossing chosen in 2025 through a low-carbon competition.
Early deployment has begun on enabling works in Essex and Kent, where six hydrogen-powered generators are charging batteries for electric plant on survey and preparatory sites. A hydrogen-fuelled excavator has also been deployed, marking one of the first real-world applications of this equipment outside a controlled trial. The forthcoming footbridge aims to build on this approach by combining low-carbon energy supply with modern construction methods and materials research.
One of the hydrogen powered generators provided by Geo Pura
The UK government views expansion of domestic hydrogen capacity as central to energy security and decarbonisation. Industry minister Chris McDonald said: “Hydrogen has a key role to play in our industrial strategy, and from Nottinghamshire to Kent, our first flagship hydrogen projects will sustainably power projects up and down the country.”
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of Geo Pura, said: “I congratulate the Lower Thames Crossing for setting a powerful example of how major infrastructure can be delivered sustainably. This contract award further strengthens the British hydrogen supply chain driving both price efficiency and British jobs across this new, exciting industry with tangible deployments.”
The scale of the procurement is expected to accelerate the sector’s shift to net zero by encouraging the project’s delivery and supply partners to invest in hydrogen-powered plant and the skills needed to operate and maintain it.
