By incorporating hydrogen fuel cells, the Niftylift HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E boom lifts enable zero-emission operation without grid access and eliminate downtime for charging, making electric machines viable for a wider range of construction and infrastructure projects across the GCC.
As Gulf nations strive to assert their technological leadership on the global stage, diversify their economies, and improve quality of life for future generations, the pressure on the construction industry to decarbonise has intensified.
In the UAE, the government’s approval of the National Building Regulations and Standards in late 2022 set a clear mandate for reducing carbon footprints, aligning with the broader goals of the We The UAE 2031 national plan, which seeks to establish the country as a champion in carbon reduction and carbon neutrality.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, along with Qatar’s National Climate Change Action Plan, meanwhile, have set similarly ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next five years.
In response, construction contractors and equipment rental companies across the region are not only seeking to improve the efficiency of conventional diesel-powered equipment but also exploring cutting-edge alternatives, including hybrid, fully electric, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
Leading the charge in the mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) sector, Niftylift offers some of the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered equipment on the market, alongside hybrid and fully electric models. More recently, the company has also introduced the world’s first hydrogen-electric-powered access platforms – the HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E – setting a new benchmark for zero-emission construction in the Middle East.
Zero emissions, anywhere
"When powered by renewable energy, Niftylift’s fully electric platforms provide a dependable zero-emission solution for a wide range of urban jobsites. However, we recognise that not all projects, especially those in remote locations, have access to grid power for charging. This is where the hydrogen fuel cell comes into play. By adding it on top of the electric system, we offer a versatile and practical solution that’s viable for virtually any jobsite," explains Thomas Hadden, global technical sales manager at Niftylift.
The Niftylift HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E articulating boom lifts with hydrogen-electric power systems can operate for up to five days on batteries alone. The hydrogen system then doubles this range. Even with daily use, the hydrogen cylinder only needs to be replaced every two to three weeks. The hydrogen cylinder fits neatly into the hydrogen electric power tray replacing the conventional engine space. It takes up no more room than conventional power systems, ensuring that these models maintain the low weight and compact profile for which Niftylift is renowned and delivering the same efficiency and maneuverability as the rest of the range.
This seamless integration of hydrogen technology ensures continuous operation and emits only water vapour and heat as by-products. By eliminating harmful emissions and reducing dependence on grid power, these boom lifts offer an ideal solution for both urban and remote construction sites that aligns perfectly with the region’s ambitious sustainability goals.
In a significant endorsement of this technology, rental company Johnson Arabia recently became the first in the region to acquire a Niftylift HR15 H2E. Impressed by the machine’s performance during a demonstration, the company not only purchased the hydrogen-electric model but also added 19 fully electric units to its fleet. Johnson Arabia’s HR15 H2E is now operational on a high-profile construction site in UAE, where it is delivering smooth, quiet operation with zero emissions and without the need for downtime to refuel or recharge the battery.
Growth in the Gulf
Niftylift sees strong potential for its products in the Middle East, driven not only by the increasing emphasis on sustainability but also the growing prioritisation of safety in the construction industry.
“We’ve seen an ever increasing growth for Niftylift products in the region even given the fierce market competition,” Thomas says. “This surge in demand is largely due to the heightened awareness of safety standards in the region and we are internationally renowned at Niftylift for our advanced safety features, such as SiOPS® (sustained involuntary operation prevention system), load-sensing, and tilt-sensing technologies.”
To support this growing demand, Niftylift is in the process of establishing a regional office in Dubai, which will serve as a hub for direct sales to key account rental companies. This strategic move will enable Niftylift to better meet the needs of its customers, ensuring prompt service and support. The Dubai office will also work closely with the company’s expanding network of dealers, which currently includes strong partnerships in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Additionally, Niftylift is actively seeking to strengthen its customer base in Saudi Arabia – a key market with enormous growth potential.
Niftylift’s dedication to building and maintaining close relationships with customers also involves regular face-to-face meetings and active participation in industry events. For example, Niftylift is a sponsor of the upcoming International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Middle East Conference 2024, scheduled to take place in Riaydh, Saudi Arabia, on 16th October. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for customers to see and experience Niftylift’s innovative products firsthand with demo machines on display.
“The Middle East’s transition to a sustainable future hinges on innovative technologies, such as hydrogen-electric equipment,” Thomas concludes. “As a leader in this field, we at Niftylift are committed to empowering the region’s construction industry to achieve ambitious decarbonisation goals. Our focus on innovation and expanding our presence ensures that we can provide the solutions needed for a greener tomorrow.”
