Hydrogen in the air

4 March 2024

The potential for using hydrogen as a sustainable energy source to replace fossil fuels has been mentioned on the blog frequently in recent times. 

The topic has certainly aroused much interest as suppliers and hirers explore the possibilities, and the theory is now turning into practice. 

Back in August, Speedy Hire announced its joint venture with AFC Energy which is developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for power generation applications. And prior to that, in July, the hirer confirmed a partnership with Niftylift to create a hydrogen-electric powered access platform (pictured above). 

What’s also striking is that such new technology can offer different ways of working that are more efficient, as well as being environmentally friendly. 

When I met Dan Evans, Speedy’s Chief Executive Officer, at the opening of the company’s flagship London Gateway depot in Basildon last November, he told me that Speedy’s fleet of Niftylift HR15 Hydrogen machines were proving popular on a range of sites including construction projects, railway maintenance work and at schools. 

Dan said that users find the machine cost-effective in practice because it obviously eliminates the need for diesel deliveries. It also provides long running times before the hydrogen canister for the fuel cell needs replacement, because for much of the time it can be charged from a conventional electricity source. 

Marc Johnson, UK Head of Engineering & Equipment Sales at Speedy Powered Access, helped to develop the machine and he explained to me how it works. 

“It’s really an electric machine with the fuel cell charging the battery. Many users find they can charge it overnight using an available source of electricity, meaning they won’t need to use the hydrogen, which is there as a range extender as required.” 

Obviously the hydrogen capability comes into its own at remote sites and other locations without a convenient power supply.

“When the level of the hydrogen bottle reaches 20% an alert is triggered and we can arrange for a replacement to be sent, or the user can swap it themselves,” said Marc. “It’s no more onerous than changing the gas bottle on a forklift truck and a QR code on the machine links to instructions showing how to do it.” 

In this way, the hydrogen powered machine offers additional operational flexibility across a variety of working locations – and perhaps more hire opportunities. 

● Read the earlier Q&A interview with Dan Evans here.