JCB has celebrated a significant government decision that allows hydrogen-powered diggers to be driven on UK roads.
Lilian Greenwood MP, the Minister for the Future of Roads, has signed a statutory instrument permitting hydrogen-fueled construction and agricultural machinery to use public highways starting April 29.
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who initiated a £100 million project to develop a hydrogen combustion engine for the company’s machines, described the news as ‘historic.’ His comments followed the unveiling of a hydrogen-powered JCB digger, which was driven around the streets of London to mark this significant announcement. The digger stopped at the Department for Transport to meet the Minister responsible for this legislative change.
Minister Lilian Greenwood stated: ‘Today shows once again that we are supporting British business. We are now allowing hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors to be legally driven on UK roads for the first time. We’re backing the UK’s Plan for Change by collaborating with outstanding British companies like JCB to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the net-zero transition, driving innovation, creating jobs, and putting money in the pockets of hardworking people to secure our future.’
Lord Bamford commented: ‘The JCB team has done remarkable work developing a hydrogen combustion engine. Our customers, who have been evaluating this technology, have given it strong support, reporting that it is simple to use and performs as well as diesel engines. We are delighted that the government has now endorsed the use of hydrogen in machinery. A considerable amount of effort has been invested in reaching this point. It is indeed a historic day for JCB and a milestone for the adoption of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in the construction and agricultural machinery sectors. With this legislation, hydrogen-powered machines can now drive on roads between sites and farms.’
In early April, Lilian Greenwood signed the statutory instrument to amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, enabling the road use of hydrogen-fueled non-road mobile machinery. This change in legislation took effect yesterday. While other hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as cars, buses, and trucks, were already permitted on UK roads, the use of hydrogen-fueled construction and agricultural machinery has now been approved.
JCB has invested over £100 million in developing a range of highly efficient, zero-emission hydrogen engines. This pioneering project at JCB’s engine plant in Derbyshire has been personally driven by Anthony Bamford, who challenged the company’s engineers to make significant advancements in using hydrogen as a fuel in combustion engines. JCB has been operating prototype hydrogen-powered Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, and generators at sites near Birmingham. It is currently testing a variety of equipment in partnership with rental companies and leading contractors across the UK.
