- hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors could be a regular
sight on Great Britain’s 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, , 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.
Today’s 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.
