HS2 trials dual-fuel piling rig

The organisation says it is a world first.

The trial took place as part of work done in partnership by ULEMCo and Cementation Skanska, working with BRE, funded through the government’s Phase 1 Red Diesel Replacement competition.

ULEMCo and Cementation Skanska modified a medium-sized CFA piling rig, converting it so the machine operated using energy from on-board hydrogen tanks. Using the dual-fuel system, both diesel and biofuels (HVO) can be mixed with hydrogen, displacing the fuel with hydrogen, resulting in a reduction in fuel use and lower CO₂ emissions.

Following successful yard trials simulating the technology, the rig was taken to an HS2 site in London where it completed piling works for the high-speed railway, demonstrating that the dual-fuel adaptation can be applied more widely across the construction sector. It cut the use of traditional fuel by 36%.

The trial is one of several initiatives being undertaken by HS2 to decarbonise construction sites and achieve diesel-free sites by 2029. To date, 19 HS2 sites operate entirely diesel-free.

HS2 head of environmental sciences Andrea Davidson said the development of dual-fuel systems that could be used to adapt existing equipment could be a “game changer” across the construction sector.

ULEMCo and Cementation Skanksa are now looking at how the technology can be used more widely, reducing embodied carbon in construction and reducing impacts on local communities near construction sites. 

Cementation Skanska managing director Terry Muckian said the development was “an exciting milestone”.

“This project goes beyond piling and ground engineering; it provides proof of concept for converting other types of heavy construction equipment, paving the way to construction site decarbonisation,” he said.