GovWire

Farming and construction vehicles set for hydrogen-powered revolution

Department For Transport

March 27
11:25 2024

  • hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors could be a regular sight on Great Britains roads thanks to new government plans
  • proposals will make it easier for construction industry to scale up its use of clean energy and reduce emissions
  • part of plans to help reduce emissions across the whole economy and decarbonise UK transport

Tractors, diggers and forklifts powered by hydrogen will help building sites and agricultural businesses go greener under government plans set out today (27 March 2024).

A switch to cleaner technology will allow construction and farming, 2 key parts of the economy, decarbonise faster.

New regulations, set out in a consultation launched today, would allow hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to be used on roads in Great Britain. The consultation will run for 4 weeks, closing on 24 April 2024.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, said:

Allowing hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to use our roads is a common-sense move to help reduce emissions.

These proposals are an important part of our plan to decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping roll out this cutting-edge hydrogen technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.

Hydrogen-powered construction and farming vehicles can improve the sustainability of the sector by reducing emissions from the tailpipe.

The launch of the consultation comes after the government issued construction equipment manufacturer JCB with a vehicle special order last year, giving the company permission to test its hydrogen-powered diggers on UK roads.

Todays proposals will expand this permission permanently across the sector, meaning manufacturers can more easily scale up production of sustainable equipment where battery electric power is not practical.

Alongside electric, hydrogen is one of many sustainable fuel sources that could accelerate decarbonisation. Projects such as the government-funded Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub are showing how green hydrogen can be utilised across the transport sector, creating jobs and apprenticeships in the region and boosting the economy.

Aviation, Europe and technology media enquiries

Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

Switchboard 0300 330 3000

Related Articles

Comments

  1. We don't have any comments for this article yet. Why not join in and start a discussion.

Write a Comment

Your name:
Your email:
Comments:

Post my comment

Recent Comments

Follow Us on Twitter

Share This


Enjoyed this? Why not share it with others if you've found it useful by using one of the tools below: