About us

The project will develop a product/process for the conversion of mainstream off-highway construction vehicles (which utilise internal combustion engines) to hydrogen dual-fuel, with the capability to use the maximum quantity of stored hydrogen that can be retrofitted to an existing vehicle per refuelling cycle, with a potential to reduce CO2 by up to 40%. 

The technology provides a transition route to net-zero construction, complementing the introduction of necessary hydrogen fuel infrastructure whilst providing a technology that allows the asset to be used if the H2 infrastructure is not available, thus de-risking using a new fuel type. 

HyConstruct builds upon R&D undertaken in the DESNZ-funded Element1 project, which developed and demonstrated an end­-to­-end solution for the manufacture, supply, distribution and use of hydrogen as an alternative to diesel on construction sites, powering off-road vehicles and equipment. 

HyConstruct will develop advanced control systems to implement advanced real time adaptive learning algorithms (AI) to optimise hydrogen usage based on engine combustion noise and NOx emissions, maintaining OEM pressure limits and maintaining vehicle emissions compliance. 

The conversion technology will be applied and demonstrated on priority off-road vehicles (ROK-BAK articulated dump truck, (ADT)) and Kobelco excavators; demonstration on physical vehicle/subsystem) as part of a full process demonstration (H2 supply/storage, refuelling and plant use) on live construction sites. 

Additional design outputs will include design methodologies and safety management for the design and installation of hydrogen containment systems on off-road vehicles and operational rules for vehicle refuelling whilst off-road. 

HyConstruct will accelerate off-road zero-emission vehicle technology development by providing a transition technology; dual fuel conversion of the large, existing off-road construction vehicle fleet. It will enable a viable business case for hydrogen supply/storage infrastructure, stimulating demand and commercial exploitation opportunities for the subsequent, demonstration/assessment and commercial deployment of 100% hydrogen-powered vehicles being developed by equipment manufacturers (most recently showcased by JCB). 

ULEMCo’s patent-granted dual­-fuel ‘H2ICED’ technology for off-road applications will transition to TRL6 and MRL5 by project completion, with design and operational rules allowing rapid application to other types of off-road vehicle.