As part of our journey to Net Zero by 2050, Gallagher Group proudly hosted a landmark hydrogen-powered plant trial at our Hermitage Quarry in Kent, in collaboration with the Lower Thames Crossing project, JCB, and Ryze Power.
The trial represents a major step forward for the Lower Thames Crossing’s ambition to eliminate diesel use from its construction sites by 2027. We were honoured to provide the setting for Lower Thames Crossing’s first successful trial of low-carbon, hydrogen combustion-powered machinery, a JCB 540-180H Loadall.
This cutting-edge machine replaced a traditional diesel-powered Loadall during masonry operations at Hermitage Quarry. Not only did it operate safely and effectively, but it also delivered zero tailpipe emissions and demonstrated a potential CO₂ saving of around 205kg per machine, per week, compared to a conventional diesel-powered machine, providing clear evidence of the potential for hydrogen to decarbonise heavy construction machinery.
At Gallagher, we are committed to reducing emissions across all aspects of our operations. As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, we see the adoption of hydrogen power as a vital step towards delivering low-carbon construction solutions that are both practical and scalable.
Sean Connor, Managing Director of Gallagher Aggregates Limited, said:
“A part of our own journey to NetZero and in keeping with our drive for low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions, Gallagher were delighted to host and carry out this Hydrogen Trial in Partnership with JCB, Lower Thames Crossing and RYZE. As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, Gallagher is proud to be at the forefront of adopting new innovative solutions.”
The trial at Hermitage Quarry supports the Lower Thames Crossing’s broader goal to reduce construction carbon by 70%, making it the UK’s greenest road project. Set to begin construction as early as 2026, the project will be the first in the UK to use hydrogen at such a large scale to power heavy plant machinery, alongside electric vehicles.
Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project, designed to be the greenest road ever built in Britain. At the heart of these plans is the use of clean low-carbon hydrogen power, and by using it on such a large scale to power our heavy construction machinery that is traditionally hard to electrify, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel, and help kick start the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.”
Gallagher’s involvement in this trial not only supports the transition to cleaner construction methods but also contributes to the growth of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary, an initiative expected to be worth £3.8 billion and create 9,000 skilled jobs by 2035.
This collaboration is just one example of how Gallagher continues to lead on sustainability and NetZero through practical innovation, responsible partnerships, and a clear focus on future-ready construction.
