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Leading hydrogen technology specialist ULEMCo has announced the launch of HyConstruct, a major collaborative R&D project designed to cut CO₂ emissions from heavy-duty off-highway construction equipment. The initiative brings together key industry partners – GeoPura, Plantforce, BAM, and BRE – to develop and demonstrate an advanced control system that will enhance the use of ULEMCo’s pioneering hydrogen dual-fuel technology, helping accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK construction industry.
The year-long project, starting this month, has secured funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) through its Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator 4 (ARMD4) programme. HyConstruct aims to create and validate a sophisticated control system capable of significantly increasing the proportion of hydrogen used in heavy-duty machinery. This innovation will improve both performance and cost-effectiveness, helping to make the shift towards low-carbon construction more commercially viable.
Building on Proven Hydrogen Success
HyConstruct follows the success of ULEMCo’s earlier Element1 project, funded by DESNZ, which demonstrated that hydrogen dual-fuel systems can offer an effective ‘stepping-stone’ towards fully hydrogen-powered construction machinery. That project achieved notable reductions in CO₂ emissions by displacing diesel with hydrogen, while also showcasing a complete hydrogen supply chain for zero-carbon fuel use on-site.
The new project will apply advanced control algorithms and AI to dual-fuel systems to boost hydrogen usage even further. This will be tested on real-world construction plant at a site managed by BAM, including Kobelco excavators previously converted under Element1, and for the first time, a heavy-duty articulated dumper truck (ADT) supplied by Plantforce – equipment that has traditionally been difficult to decarbonise.
Hydrogen Integration and On-Site Feasibility
Hydrogen supply partner GeoPura will provide low-carbon hydrogen, off-grid refuelling infrastructure, and zero-emission power through its Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU) technology, enabling safe, efficient hydrogen deployment on construction sites. BRE will lead on learning capture and industry dissemination, ensuring the project’s findings support wider adoption across the sector.
“Decarbonising construction plant is essential to support the UK’s net-zero goals, particularly as new energy infrastructure and construction investment is planned to drive economic growth,” said Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo. “Converting existing equipment to run on clean hydrogen offers immediate carbon savings, while also reducing the embedded emissions from the construction process itself.”
Alistair Gemmel, Chief Business Development Officer at GeoPura, added: “HyConstruct marks a significant step towards proving that zero-carbon fuels can power heavy machinery efficiently and safely. By managing the hydrogen supply on site, we’re helping to show how hydrogen can be seamlessly integrated into real construction operations.”
As part of the APC ARMD initiative, the upgraded hydrogen-enabled machinery will be showcased at the CENEX Expo in 2026, underlining the UK’s leadership in sustainable off-highway transport solutions.
Earlier this month, ULEMCo also announced the first commercial sale of its HyTANKa® mobile hydrogen refuelling bowser, further reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of practical hydrogen innovation.
For more information on HyConstruct Targets Real-World Carbon Cuts on Construction Sites talk to Nationwide Sureties