Speedy and Niftylift in hydrogen partnership
4 July 2023
Speedy Hire has announced a partnership with Niftylift to design, manufacture and supply a hydrogen-electric powered access platform.
The two British businesses have developed the zero-emission machine and agreed an exclusive three-year partnership worth £9 million in the first year, which will see Niftylift manufacture and supply the platforms at its Milton Keynes headquarters, alongside an additional fleet of hybrid powered platforms.
The first hydrogen-electric machines off the production line will be delivered later this month to Speedy's Innovation Centre in Milton Keynes (pictured) and are being launched as part of the hirer's new Velocity strategy promoting sustainability.
Speedy says that the hydrogen-electric platform offers a viable alternative to diesel-powered equipment, especially during the early stages on construction sites where electric infrastructure can be virtually non-existent.
The machine is fitted with a G20 hydrogen cylinder and fuel cell technology, and can be operated for up to five days on a single charge, with additional range available from the hydrogen fuel cell, emitting zero carbon, says Speedy.
Other claimed benefits include quiet operation, quicker refuelling times and lower weight, reducing transport and fuel costs. The machine also enables indoor operation.
Speedy has a target to ensure that such 'eco' products account for 70 per cent of its itemised equipment fleet by 2027. Indeed, it says that 44 per cent of such products are now sustainable and that 53 per cent of hire revenue was generated from these items.
Dan Evans, Speedy Chief Executive, commented: “This world-first technology is a game changer for UK construction companies, enabling them to start using equipment powered by a zero-emission fuel such as hydrogen.
“Our investment into this partnership with Niftylift enables us to accelerate the sustainable and technological evolution of the sectors we operate in and supports our ambitious plan to become a net zero business by 2040, ten years ahead of the government target."
Speedy says that the shift to lower-emission construction equipment is becoming an increasingly core component of winning work through the tender processes for major UK construction and infrastructure projects, as Tier 1 contractors demand low and zero-emission solutions to meet their Scope 3 carbon targets relating to their supply chains.
This emphasis on sustainability in bidding has also led to the development of green procurement policies, which prioritise the selection of eco-friendly materials and approaches when selecting suppliers, states the company. Additionally, some bids now require a sustainability report detailing how the proposed project will reduce environmental impacts and provide social value.
As reported in its recent full-year results, Speedy last year procured more sustainable assets including those with solar, hybrid, electric and hydrogen technology. The company invested £52.1 million in its hire fleet, of which 51 per cent was on sustainable equipment.
Photo: Alan Guthrie
