Carbon footprint reduction in construction: Diesel gensets vs. hydrogen
As construction companies face growing challenges to decarbonise, emerging energy technology, including hydrogen solutions, present promising pathways to reduce reliance on diesel and the carbon footprint of operations.
Like in many sectors, sustainability has become a major focus in the construction industry. Construction companies are facing mounting pressure to monitor greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decarbonise, and transition towards cleaner energy solutions. For instance, certain tenders require carbon-reduction solutions to qualify to bid. Public and private stakeholders, too, are demanding greater environmental and social consciousness. Operation costs may be impacted by carbon price policies in the future. This presents the construction industry with challenges, but opportunities too, to explore effective solutions and mitigation strategies.
Carbon footprint: Carbon footprint represents the total volume of greenhouse gasses (GG) resulting from everyday economic and human activity. Knowing the carbon footprint of activities, measured in tonnes of CO2 emissions, is important when it comes to taking measures and launching initiatives to reduce it to the lowest possible level.
The use of alternative energy solutions, such as hydrogen, is paving the way to achieve sustainability outcomes, clean operations, and better climate adaptation outcomes. Hydrogen fuel cell-based power generators are emerging to meet this need and supply clean, reliable power to displace diesel gensets. Unlike diesel generators, hydrogen fuel cell generators do not combust fuels to make electricity. Instead, the hydrogen is introduced to the fuel cell; it creates a reaction that generates electricity. Water vapour is the only ‘emission’ from a fuel cell generator.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of diesel generators, versus renewable energy alternatives in construction, the advantages of hydrogen, and how hydrogen fuel cell-based generators can accelerate the construction industry’s transition to a low-carbon and, eventually, a carbon neutral future.
The pros and cons of diesel power in construction
Construction operations focused on decarbonisation (and zero emissions) will play an important role driving the energy transition. While organisations continue to make progress in reducing emissions from electrification, many urban and remote constructions sites, some without grid access, remain reliant on diesel generators for onsite power.
Diesel generators are used in urban, regional, and remote construction projects that can be connected, or are often disconnected from power grids. They may also be used as emergency power supply for operations requiring constant or continuous power if the grid fails, as well as for other more complex applications. For small contractors to large, local government and private building projects, and even some grid-connected operations, such as wind farms, and operations closer to the inner city, diesel is a go-to power source. Its use is a result of its accessibility, convenience, reliability, durability, and high-power density. On the other hand, it brings certain challenges too.
Emissions
Diesel is known for being an environmentally-adverse option through emissions, damaging air quality and health, and producing noise pollution.
Noise levels are a drawback of diesel generators, for both onsite workers and surrounding residents. Many urban neighbourhoods have implemented rules prohibiting heavy equipment operation during set hours, such as evenings and nighttimes. While this might be a secondary concern from an emissions perspective, it remains a factor for construction companies to consider when evaluating onsite power options.
Additionally, construction is among the leading industries/activities contributing the largest carbon footprint. Globally, in developed and developing countries, buildings contributes to 33% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40% of the global energy consumption, which stem from the use of the equipment, the manufacturing of building materials, and transportation [1].
As more companies seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reporting progress is at the forefront, including the terminology ‘Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions’. But what does this actually mean?
GHG emissions [2] are measured and assessed within these three different ‘scopes’. Scopes are a way of categorising the different kinds of carbon emissions a company creates in its own operations, and in its wider value chain in the following ways:
Scope 1 – GHG emissions companies create directly, e.g. through operations.
Scope 2 – GHG emissions a company creates indirectly, via third parties e.g. electricity or energy purchased, to conduct building.
Scope 3 – all GHG emissions associated, but not necessarily by a company itself, that it is indirectly responsible for throughout its value chain, e.g. products purchased from suppliers, and from its products when customers use them.
Of the three scopes, many construction operations are focused on Scope 1 emissions. Scope 3 emissions, however, have wider implications and are becoming a growing concern. Think: lending institutions, such as banks, considering this Scope throughout its decision-making and reporting progress. From this perspective, construction operations with reduced GHG emissions may gain a competitive advantage.
In the next few years, most large organisations will need to report Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in Australia. Legislation proposing mandatory climate-related disclosure was introduced into Australian Parliament in 2024, with the strong potential to become law. According to ASIC, entities are strongly advised to implement the systems, processes, and governance practices now, that will be required to meet new climate reporting requirements. [3]
In the UK, for example, industry representatives have developed the Zero Diesel Sites Route Map to decarbonise construction by 2035.
Access and safety
Time for trucks delivering diesel to generators on site is also limited. As equipment must be filled prior to early work day commencements, sometimes, it is impractical to facilitate appropriate access and complete refilling in time, while maintaining safety standards.
Inefficiency
Most diesel gensets perform inefficiently in construction sites due to low loads – low power consumed by connected elements of the generator. Broadly speaking, generators need to be run at minimum 50-70% rated output, even if required power is only 10% of output. Negative consequences from this range from low pressure/temperatures resulting in poor combustion, and diesel engine damage, increased pollution, and higher fuel use and wastage.
Availability of effective, alternate power solutions
A range of alternative power solutions are emerging in the technology market – biofuels, propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), batteries – each with their own set of considerations and disadvantages. As such, operators face the immense challenge of choosing between a range of alternative fuel source pathways, solutions, expertise, and suppliers.
But the good news is, more construction operations, of all sizes and location types, are investigating and investing in hydrogen as a viable solution. Emerging hydrogen technology from the private sector is rising to meet these challenges and offer support and expertise.
With the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability, reducing environmental impacts and the carbon footprint of operations, hydrogen presents a promising, reliable, and equally-matched alternative.
2. Reducing emissions in construction with hydrogen technology
As hydrogen fuel cell generators are becoming more available in the market, hydrogen as a power source presents a viable alternative to diesel gensets in many applications, enabling electrification for operations both with and without access to power grids.
In exploring and implementing hydrogen technology, construction companies may be considering the following:
Scale – How do I find a supplier with a supply chain that can keep up with demand and a branch network to support those products on the ground?
Timing – How do I know when to jump into and invest in renewables? And at what speed do I start replacing my existing energy options with renewables?
Disposal – When is the best time to sell and dispose of carbon-heavy energy assets, after transitioning? Is it more advantageous to be an early adopter of renewable energy sources, and dispose of such assets before the market changes?
Expertise – How do I choose the right solution, partner, and expertise? How do I ensure safe operations?
From this standpoint, this is where reliable, knowledgeable partners can help to bridge the gap.
3. The value of technology partnerships and expertise
As is the case with implementing any effective business solution, success often hinges on choosing the right partner. For construction operators to focus on the work they do best, technology partnerships are a great way to gain a range of competitive advantages and meet growing demands.
Solution design
Technology partners, such as Endua, can model and facilitate hydrogen fuel solutions for construction operations.
The industry is beginning to reduce emissions through technology such as solar batteries, and swap-and-go hydrogen.
Where to buy hydrogen vs. producing hydrogen onsite
One pathway to a hydrogen solution is externally purchasing and installing bottled hydrogen. For construction managers, this presents the added challenges of managing delivery schedules, and impacts to site operations and safety. But what if you could generate hydrogen onsite?
Onsite hydrogen production can effectively reduce emissions, access limitations, and complexity. Endua’s modular, compact hydrogen generator units, such as the power bank and electrolyser, enable construction operations to generate hydrogen onsite.
Endua’s modular, pre-built hydrogen solutions are rapidly deployable to any site environment. Installation of the systems can be as simple as connecting water and power. Once operational, the systems can produce hydrogen to sustain the project's power needs.
The Endua electrolyser is unlocking energy independence for decentralised industrial and commercial operations – eliminating reliance on traditional grids and fuel supply chains. Find out more.
Safety and compliance standards
As hydrogen technology advances, perceptions are beginning to shift more positively towards its utilisation and safety. Trusted technology partners offer the confidence of pre-engineered solutions that meet regulatory and safety standards – overcoming the “unfamiliar” and “unknown” factors of hydrogen as an energy source.
Return on investment
The efficiency of fuel cell-based power generators is set to outpace diesel generators. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells, for instance, are not only pollution-free, but can also have more than two times the efficiency of traditional combustion technologies. [4]
In turn, this can result in lower fuel expenses, which is often the largest contributor to operational expenditure (OPEX). For the most part, return on investment (ROI) for hydrogen fuel cell generators is likely to grow as operating hours increase, and providers continue to make technology improvements.
Looking ahead
As we progress towards a greener future, the construction industry holds the key to better environmental impacts. The energy transition may be a secondary, yet still important consideration in operational requirements for construction companies. More likely, it will be driven by OEM partners, adapting technology to create a shift for the industry. Policy, too, (over incentives) will play an important role reshaping national infrastructure, supporting clean energy options, and driving investment and planning.
While hydrogen fuel cell power generators are proven to be effective, safe, and reliable, their newness can, understandably, represent a source of uncertainty. The Endua team recognises this challenge and are actively working with customers and users to support them through this journey.
Start a conversation with the Endua team today about a hydrogen energy solution for your operations.
Sources
[1] Sizirici B, Fseha Y, Cho CS, Yildiz I, Byon YJ. A Review of Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Industry, from Design to Operation. Materials (Basel). 2021 Oct 15;14(20):6094. doi: 10.3390/ma14206094. PMID: 34683687; PMCID: PMC8540435. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8540435/
[2] Deloitte (2021), Zero in on... Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, accessed 16 August 2024, <https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/issues/climate/zero-in-on-scope-1-2-and-3-emissions.html>
[3] Australian Securities & Investments Comission (2024), Start preparing now: Early ASIC guidance on the mandatory climate disclosure regime, accessed 16 August 2024, <https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/speeches/start-preparing-now-early-asic-guidance-on-the-mandatory-climate-disclosure-regime>
[4] U.S. Department of Energy (2015), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, accessed 16 August 2024, <https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/articles/fuel-cells-fact-sheet>