Fuel Cell Systems powers first ever fuel cell installation on National Highways network

 Hungerford, UK, 19 March 2026: Fuel Cell Systems, a leading UK-based hydrogen refuelling and fuel cell engineering company, has supported SWARCO UK & Ireland Ltd to install the first fuel cell powered traffic management equipment on the National Highways network. The deployment of the low emission fuel cell technology eliminates the need for polluting forms of reliable off grid power and marks a significant step towards more sustainable transport infrastructure in the UK.

SWARCO delivers smart traffic and transport technology that improves road safety, traffic flow and network performance. Many of its roadside infrastructure locations share the common challenge of needing dependable, constant, low-voltage power without mains electricity access. Traditional solutions, such as continuously running diesel generators, produce significant emissions, while micro-renewables are often unsuitable due to site constraints and the weather.

At the M6 Lancaster Motorway Services, Fuel Cell Systems enables SWARCO to bypass these issues. Fuel Cell Systems provided an EFOY Pro 12000 direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) to deliver continuous, weather independent off grid power to the variable message signage (VMS) used to display fuel price information to motorists from the nearby motorway verge. This fuel cell solution acts as a smart battery charger, monitoring an attached battery to maintain its voltage when charging is required. It maximises battery life, system efficiency, and fuel economy – ultimately reducing the cost of refuelling at off grid and hazardous locations, such as at the side of the motorway.

Unlike internal combustion engines, DMFCs do not burn fuel to create power, offering exceptional environmental performance, producing only water and near zero levels of carbon. They also have minimal moving parts, which eliminates noise pollution and significantly reduces the need for routine maintenance.

Paul Calvert, project support manager at SWARCO UK & Ireland, said: “With the support of Fuel Cell Systems, SWARCO gained approval to install the first fuel cell powered equipment on the National Highways network. This was following a thorough review and approval process.”

Dr Lee Juby, CEO at Fuel Cell Systems, said, “Our local technical support and straightforward product integration helped greatly with the National Highways approval process. As highway authorities across the UK seek cleaner alternatives to diesel generators for off grid applications, fuel cells offer a proven, reliable solution. The success of this installation demonstrates that fuel cell technology can support the UK's transport infrastructure sustainability goals.

Visit Fuel Cell Systems for more information on fuel cells for critical infrastructure, transport, and other key industries requiring low emission, reliable remote power.

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Notes to editors

For further information or interview opportunities contact:

Rhiannon Day

Account Executive

Resonates on behalf of Fuel Cell Systems

Email: rhiannon@resonates.com

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Editors notes

Fuel Cell Systems Ltd (FCSL) is a UK based hydrogen engineering company specialising in hydrogen refuelling solutions. Its parent company, Hydrasun, is part of the D2Zero group of companies, meeting the dual challenge of decarbonising traditional energy sources, whilst accelerating the transition to renewable energy. FCSL has deployed numerous HyQube modular refuellers on behalf of companies including Toyota, BMW, Exeter and Bristol Airports, Oxfordshire County Council and Keele University, and dispensed hydrogen fuel for cars, vans, trucks, trains, planes, buses and forklifts, prior to the development of the new, larger scale HyFleet system. www.fuelcellsystems.co.uk