Diesel-free site boosts HS2’s net zero plans

HS2 Ltd has announced Canterbury Road Vent Shaft in South Kilburn as its first completely diesel-free site. 

Civils contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) has introduced a range of diesel-free technology and equipment - including the UK’s first 160-tonne fully electric crawler cranes, an electric compressor, and the use of biofuel to power plant and machinery. 

Earlier this year, HS2 announced that the mega-project aims to be net-zero carbon by 2035, with the target of achieving diesel-free status at all its construction sites by 2029. 

Innovations being trialled at other sites include hydrogen fuel cell technology, ultra-low bio-LPG engines in welfare units, and EcoNet devices that reduce power demand for key appliances by 30%.