Three bidders shortlisted to supply hydrogen for LTC construction after tender relaunched with 67% higher prices

The Lower Thames Crossing could begin construction as early as next year, with aim to use H2 instead of diesel to power equipment and vehicles

National Highways has shortlisted three companies for an up-to-£80m ($106.6m) contract to supply low-carbon hydrogen for construction equipment used to build the Lower Thames Crossing to the east of London.

National Highways initially launched a tender for the supply of 6,200 tonnes of low-carbon H2 back in July 2023, offering up to about £8 per kilo, but failed to secure a contract with any of the four shortlisted bidders.

The tender was then relaunched in July 2024, offering 67% higher prices (to about £13.50/kg) for 5,900 tonnes of low-carbon H2, which has now resulted in the shortlisting of three bidders: industrial gases firm Air Products, hydrogen generator company GeoPura, and Ryze Power, which was founded by Jo Bamford, heir to the JCB construction equipment fortune.

The hydrogen will be used instead of diesel to power construction equipment and vehicles during the construction of the 14-mile ($22.5m) road development, which is meant to relieve traffic congestion on the Dartford Crossing (a bridge and two tunnels) across the River Thames — currently the only roads under and over the river to the east of London.

National Highways noted in tender documents that the value of the contract could be as low as £30m, depending on the price of low-carbon hydrogen bid.

But it has not disclosed details of the prices that they have bid, nor whether only one of the shortlisted companies will supply the full 5,900 tonnes during the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing, which will consist of two tunnels under the river.

Construction on the road project, which is one of the largest in the UK, could begin as early as 2026, although the hydrogen supply is only expected from 2027.

National Highways estimates that the use of hydrogen instead of diesel to power construction equipment and vehicles, as well as low-carbon concrete and steel options, would halve the carbon footprint of the roadworks.

However, the road development is also controversial, with environmental campaigners raising concerns around the impact on wildlife during construction and the potential that it could ultimately increase overall road traffic while still leaving the Dartford Crossing struggling with overcapacity.