Jackson expands use of hydrogen fuel cells

Jackson is using hydrogen fuel cell technology to help power four of its site compounds in Northamptonshire this winter.
The initiative is part of the company’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and use less polluting ways of going to work.
The Jackson teams in Northamptonshire are working on behalf of the Environment Agency to refurbish river locks along the River Nene. The site compounds here tend to be remote and small, so are ideal as test beds for using alternatives to noisy and polluting diesel fuel generators.
Supply chain
Following a successful trial earlier this year, which saw the project win a Considerate Constructors Scheme Leading lights Award, Jackson has joined with supply chain partners TCP ECO Group and Algeco to roll out the hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Algeco has supplied the welfare cabins, which have been adapted by removing the radiator units to accommodate air source heat pumps (ASHPs) which are more energy efficient.
TCP ECO group has provided the 1 kW hydrogen fuel cell cabinet, 45 kVA/ 60 kWh battery pack, inverter, hydrogen fuel tank carrier, as well as remote efficiency monitoring services. It has also brought in solar PV panels to complement the hydrogen fuel cells.
TCP’s managing director Andrew Barker said: “We will use mains power where we are able to then use fuel cells hybridised with solar PV - we are looking for as many renewal inputs as we can.”
By combining hydrogen and air in the presence of a catalyst, a hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity with water vapour as the only by-product. Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a clean and flexible energy source to support routes to Carbon Net Zero.
Jackson’s supply chain manager Andy Lusher said: “The trial went well earlier this year and now it is exciting to be expanding our use of hydrogen fuel cells across four sites.
“It is great to work for a client like the Environment Agency who is eager to facilitate advancements in this area and to partner with innovative companies like TCP and Algeco who are constantly looking to adapt and make improvements.”