Wales and West Utilities HFC Operating Hub

Project

Project Brief

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is undertaking a major programme of change to support decarbonisation and deliver a network that can transport green gases like hydrogen and biomethane. As part of this effort, Cenex is partnering with WWU on the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Operating Hub project, a specialised programme that will test how zero emission technologies can power trailer-mounted plants, portable tools, and welfare units used in iron mains replacement and other large projects.

Cenex will assess real on-site energy requirements, evaluate market-ready hydrogen and battery solutions, examine depot charging options, and develop practical energy hub scenarios, leading to trials and eventual rollout.

The Challenge

WWU’s Repex work depends on a diverse range of mobile plant and portable equipment, including mini-diggers, towed compressors/generators and trailer-mounted welfare units, as well as trench rammers and pavement saws, all of which are typically powered by internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels.

Transitioning to zero-tailpipe alternatives presents several interconnected challenges. These include:

  • Accurately assessing the energy demands on-site and for the vehicles,
  • Evaluating the availability and maturity of hydrogen and battery options for heavy trailer-mounted equipment,
  • Addressing depot and overnight charging constraints, ensuring the logistics and security of hydrogen supply to remote sites, and
  • Adapting safety, operational, and procurement processes to accommodate these new technologies.

The project aims to develop practical and site-safe pathways that align with WWU’s operational pace and safety culture.

The Solution

Since 2009, Cenex’s fleet team has collected, analysed, and summarised fleet operational data from diverse sources, including telematics and manual inputs. This expertise supports low-emission vehicle and equipment suitability assessments. Working with utilities’ fleet teams, including WWU, Northern Gas Networks, SP Energy Networks, and Western Power Distribution, has provided a deep understanding of operations and needs. This ensures the technical work is grounded in operational reality.

Cenex will provide a clear and evidence-based programme of work that includes rapid benchmarking of WWU’s sites and depots, a market review of zero emission equipment and welfare solutions, an assessment of on-site charging and/or refuelling feasibility, and site scenarios for the use of different zero emission technologies (battery, hydrogen, hybrid, and integrated hub).

The results will be presented as straightforward, procurement-ready advice, enabling WWU to transition quickly from study to demonstration.

Funder:

Key Skills

  1. Plant equipment and energy model development
  2. Zero emission equipment roadmaps
  3. Trial and procurement guidance

The Change

This project will provide WWU and other utilities with a clear, evidence-based pathway for trialling and scaling zero emissions equipment across Repex and other large projects. Some key benefits include:

  • Operational Confidence: Detailed energy profiles and depot compatibility checks will allow WWU to plan operations with.
  • Informed Procurement: Roadmaps and output-based specifications will minimise procurement risks and, in the longer term, accelerate the adoption of zero emission
  • Improved Health & Safety Outcomes: Reduced local emissions and lower noise exposure for operational teams, along with tailored health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) guidance for hydrogen and high-voltage systems. Where battery powered zero emission items are heavier than the ICE alternative, potential positive (e.g., reduced noise) and negative (e.g., increased weight) impacts will be evaluated.
  • Cost & Carbon Clarity: Comparative scenario costing and assessments will help WWU evaluate near-term electrification opportunities alongside hydrogen-based solutions for more energy-intensive applications.
  • Scalable Trial Design: A ready-to-implement trial proposal and KPI framework will enable WWU to transition from study to demonstration with minimal delays, and provide an evidence base for all utilities in planning future demonstration and deployment.