UK Greenlights Hydrogen-Powered Construction Kit for Road Use
Key Ideas
  • The UK government's approval for hydrogen-fuelled construction machinery to operate on public roads is a significant step towards wider hydrogen adoption.
  • JCB, with a £100m investment in zero-emission hydrogen engines, sees this decision as historic and beneficial for their business.
  • The new legislation, supported by JCB's successful trials of hydrogen-powered equipment near Birmingham, opens the door for further testing with rental companies and contractors.
  • The hydrogen combustion engine developed by JCB is praised for its performance comparable to diesel, simplicity of use, and positive feedback from customers.
In a groundbreaking move, the UK government has removed a crucial hurdle for the expanded usage of hydrogen-powered construction equipment by allowing them to be driven on public roads. This decision marks a milestone for the adoption of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in the construction industry. Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood affirmed this shift, emphasizing the government's support for British businesses by permitting hydrogen-fueled diggers and tractors to operate legally on UK roads for the first time. The renowned construction equipment manufacturer, JCB, lauded this development as a historic achievement. Anthony Bamford, JCB's Chairman, praised the innovative work done by the JCB team in creating a hydrogen combustion engine that not only matches diesel performance but has also received strong endorsement from clients. The amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which was greenlit by Minister Greenwood, facilitated this rule change. JCB's successful trials of hydrogen-powered machinery, including backhoe loaders, Loadalls, and generators in Birmingham, have paved the way for further testing collaborations with rental companies and leading construction firms. This legislative advancement coupled with JCB's ongoing investment in zero-emission hydrogen engines signifies a positive trajectory for the integration of hydrogen technology in the construction sector.
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