Skip to main content

Clean onsite power system introduced

An innovative onsite power source utilising fuel cell technology has been developed jointly by Intelligent Energy and Taylor Construction Plant (TCP Ltd). This novel, no-emission power product meets the very strictest environmental legislation, allowing it to be used in low emission zones in urban areas or in enclosed areas such as underground quarries, tunnels or carparks where ventilation may be limited. The firms say that this off-grid hydrogen fuel cell power product is designed to meet the changing ne
October 12, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Fuel cell technology is well proven having been used to power NASA’s Apollo missions to the moon, with these systems now slowly being introduced for industrial purposes also
An innovative onsite power source utilising fuel cell technology has been developed jointly by 4011 Intelligent Energy and 5464 Taylor Construction Plant (TCP Ltd). This novel, no-emission power product meets the very strictest environmental legislation, allowing it to be used in low emission zones in urban areas or in enclosed areas such as underground quarries, tunnels or carparks where ventilation may be limited.


The firms say that this off-grid hydrogen fuel cell power product is designed to meet the changing needs of the construction industry. Fuel cells use hydrogen to generate electrical power, with the only emissions being of harmless water vapour. This innovative power unit is said to be silent in operation and the partners claim it provides a viable off-grid alternative to diesel, helping to meet air quality targets.

Intelligent Energy announced a strategic partnership with UK based TCP in late 2017 to integrate, test and evaluate new products for the construction industry. The partners jointly developed this innovative unit, which is fuelled by hydrogen and uses an Intelligent Energy 801 Fuel Cell Module (FCM) to produce a DC generator, capable of a maximum output of 1kW. The ECO GH2 can be used with DC power loads or with a TCP inverter power pack to produce an off-grid generator unit up to 5kW for power tools, accessories and welfare units.

Powered by Intelligent Energy’s Air Cooled fuel cells, the ECO GH2 is zero emission at point of delivery and has near silent operation, an advantage for night-time work and for operating in urban areas, particularly where noisy diesel generators disturb residents and businesses. The product is said to be lightweight, easy to carry and operate, can be used in enclosed ventilated spaces and there are no liquid fuels.

Intelligent Energy’s FCMs provide further benefits that make them a versatile solution for the construction industry, including compact and robust design, lower life-cycle cost than standby diesel generators, and minimal service requirements (simple air filter replacement).

Intelligent Energy’s PEM fuel cell products run on hydrogen and ambient air to produce clean power in a simple, cost effective, robust and compact package.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Komatsu’s electric excavator is available
    February 7, 2023
    Komatsu is now making its innovative PC210E excavator available. The machine was been developed in partnership with Proterra over a number of years.
  • Loading and hauling machine improvements will boost quarry production
    July 4, 2014
    Major advances are being seen in the market for loading and hauling machines, with manufacturers developing new solutions for the quarry segment in particular- Mike Woof writes Wheeled loaders and rigid chassis dump trucks are key movers in many quarry operations. New develop-ments have seen the introduction of several new models from key players.
  • Liebherr wins innovation award at bauma 2022
    October 24, 2022
    Liebherr has won an innovation award for its novel R9XX H2 prototype excavator, manufactured at the company’s Colmar facility.
  • Deutz is offering alternatives to conventional diesel power
    April 10, 2018
    Deutz is investing in hybrid systems and alternative fuels, while also developing advanced low emission packages. The company is developing electric power options for off-highway equipment following its purchase of Torqeedo, a firm supplying electric power units for sale into the marine sector. A key move is its innovative hybrid powertrain, being unveiled in prototype form. This is aimed at use in compact machines such as small wheeled loaders or telehandlers and features a small diesel engine that runs