JCB Celebrates Government Decision to Allow Hydrogen Diggers on UK Roads
Key Ideas
- JCB hails the UK Government's decision to change the law, allowing hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machinery on UK roads.
- JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford initiated a £100 million project to develop a hydrogen combustion engine for JCB machines, with successful prototype testing near Birmingham.
- The Government amendment to the Road Vehicles Regulations now permits hydrogen-powered machinery, marking a historic day for JCB and the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in these industries.
- Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood praises the move, highlighting the support for the UK's net zero transition and the creation of jobs through innovation.
JCB, the digger giant, is celebrating a significant decision by the UK Government to allow hydrogen diggers on British roads. While most hydrogen vehicles were already permitted, construction and agricultural machinery powered by hydrogen were not until the recent amendment to the Road Vehicles Regulations. JCB's Chairman Anthony Bamford led a project investing £100 million in developing a hydrogen combustion engine for JCB's machines. The successful testing of prototype hydrogen-powered equipment near Birmingham has paved the way for further trials across the UK in collaboration with rental companies and contractors. The endorsement of hydrogen use in machinery by the Government is a pivotal moment for JCB and the industry, marking a shift towards zero-carbon fuel. Minister Lilian Greenwood praised the initiative, emphasizing the alignment with the UK's Plan for Change and the opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainability.