Friday, January 10, 2025
HydrogenLatestNews

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

JCB’s hydrogen engine has been approved for use after the company secured rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines.

According to the company, JCB is the first construction equipment business to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the £100 million development for over three years.

Today (10th January 2025) the firm confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford (pictured), who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said:

“This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets.Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage.

Image courtesy of JCB: Lord Bamford receives official certification from RDW officials André van de Visser and Marc Feijen allowing the sale of hydrogen combustion engines in The Netherlands.

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