Gloucester sites trial the tools for a greener future

Gloucester sites trial the tools for a greener future

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) recently introduced trials of low-carbon power tools at their operational sites across Gloucester which could be adopted across the network in future.

Part of an ongoing trial, Project GREEN has seen the gas distribution network switch out their regular tools, which typically use diesel or petrol, for greener alternatives powered by solar, battery and biofuel.

This project is part of the company’s wider ambition to reduce emissions across its operational sites, which allow engineers to carry out essential work, and which currently contribute to around 71% of the organisation’s total emissions.

As part of the trial several heavy-duty vehicles are now being powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil Fuel (HVO), a low-carbon diesel alternative whilst two team vans, pick-up trucks, a welfare unit, dumper and excavators, ranging from 1.5-tonnes to 8-tonnes, are being run on the biofuel, which reduce emissions by up to 90%.
A 3,000 litre solar-powered bowser is also being powered by photovoltaic panels on its roof, making the unit zero emissions, and the team is trialing battery power disc cutters, a slotted drive shaft drill, foot compacter and fusion box.

A fully electric battery powered 1.9-ton excavator is already being put to the test to assess its suitability for essential works, and many sites are also using recycled stone and dust for backfilling.

Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero & Sustainability, explains the need for the trial:

“Project GREEN is part of the ongoing commitment to decarbonise as many aspects of our operations as possible. Our operational teams carry out essential work on the gas network 7 days a week, 365 days a year, most of which requires specific tools and machinery.
“This trial aims to dig deeper, showing how low-carbon equipment could look across our sites using a range of energy sources. Feedback so far has been positive, and we look forward to finalising the range of devices to roll out in the future.”

Gary Davis, who works as part of the B&R team on Northwick Road in Evesham, said:
“I've really enjoyed trialing the battery powered fusion box. The mobility is great, with no leads or generators to move around. It has been easy to use and has long lasting battery to do service work. I wouldn’t mind using this all the time and to see how it performs under heavy mains work.”
Over the next 12 months, the team will explore the feasibility of solar and hydrogen powered welfare units, as well as trialing other heavy-duty vehicles on HVO."

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.

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