JCB, the British construction and demolition equipment manufacturer, has reportedly announced plans to spend £100 million on a highly efficient hydrogen engine project. The Uttoxeter-based firm aims to launch the initial machines in the market by the end of next year.
Seemingly, around a hundred engineers have been working dedicatedly on the project development, meanwhile, hiring of over fifty more is currently in process.
Lord Bamford, JCB’s Chairman, stated that it is the type of machinery that will run with something apart from fossil fuels.
The company unveiled a hydrogen-powered prototype JCB backhoe loader as well as a second JCB machine, a Loadall telescopic handler, during an event at central London that was also attended by Boris Johnson, UK’s Prime Minister.
Lord Bamford further stated that the company must find an alternative for the diesel-powered machines and act on the same. Accordingly, JCB is spending millions of pounds in the hydrogen engine project as it does not see electric vehicles as an end solution, especially not for the construction and demolition industry since electric solution is only suitable for smaller machines. JCB will continue producing engines but with super-efficiency and zero carbon emissions.
Prime Minister Johnson praised JCB for making efficient hydrogen engines, which would help the country achieve its climate goals and progress the economy of hydrogen in the UK, an area attracting new investments as well as opening job opportunities.
The development of zero-emission hydrogen engine comes at a time when governments throughout the globe are announcing plans to build infrastructure to promote hydrogen use as a means of reducing CO2 emissions. The hydrogen engines manufactured in the United Kingdom will be a first in the sector.
In November, JCB's hydrogen engine will demonstrated in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow.
JCB has been manufacturing engines since 2004, with operations in Derbyshire as well as Delhi, India. The company will reach a significant benchmark in 2021 when it produces its 750,000th engine.
Source credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-58969916