Protium has announced it is using green hydrogen to power construction activities at its Pioneer 2 facility in South Wales, demonstrating how readily available hydrogen and fuel cell technology can replace diesel generators on industrial sites.

The temporary energy system provides clean, reliable power where grid capacity is limited, supporting both electrical and thermal loads during construction and removing the need for conventional diesel generation.

Rather than relying on legacy diesel equipment, Protium has specified a hydrogen fuel-cell and battery solution that aligns with its long-term commitment to operate, and build, using green power wherever possible.

“Our approach is simple: if we expect our plants to run on green energy, we should build them that way too,” said Jon Constable, COO of Protium. “This isn’t about reinventing technology, it’s about using what’s already available to eliminate diesel, reduce noise and improve site conditions during construction.”

Powering the Pioneer 2 site with clean, practical energy. Green hydrogen, stored in gaseous form, is converted into electricity and heat via fuel-cell generators, producing zero CO₂ emissions at the point of use and only water vapour as a by-product.

Taylor Construction Plant (TCP) supplies the fuel-cell generators alongside integrated battery storage, delivering low-voltage power tailored to site demands. The system balances generation and storage automatically, charging and discharging as operational needs fluctuate.

Integrated battery packs ensure stable, continuous power for lighting, communications, HVAC and equipment loads, while the fuel cells operate only when energy is required.

Compared with traditional diesel generators, which must run continuously and generate noise, particulates and spill risk, the hydrogen system operates quietly and cleanly. This approach reduces on-site fuel use by approximately 50%, lowers noise levels and removes diesel handling from day-to-day site operations.

Proven technology, real-world application. Hydrogen fuel cells are an established alternative to combustion-based power, already in use across multiple sectors. At Pioneer 2, Protium’s focus has been on applying this technology in a real construction environment, demonstrating that diesel-free site power can be straightforward, reliable and commercially viable.

The system supports everyday construction needs while improving working conditions for site teams and reducing emissions, without adding complexity to site operations.

Building with green power from day one. Protium’s use of green hydrogen during construction reflects the same principles that will underpin operations at Pioneer 2 once complete, using green electricity and hydrogen to minimize emissions across the entire lifecycle of the facility.

“This is about showing that diesel-free construction doesn’t have to be complicated,” added Will Stinton, Director of Operations at Protium. “We’ve specified proven equipment, deployed it on a live site, and it works. It solves familiar problems, noise, emissions and fuel handling, while supporting our wider commitment to net zero.”

As demand grows for cleaner construction practices, Protium’s approach at Pioneer 2 demonstrates how hydrogen and fuel-cell systems can be deployed today, using existing technology, to support quieter, cleaner and more sustainable industrial development.