On June 26th, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves paid a visit to JCB’s global headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, where she received a comprehensive briefing on the company’s £100 million commitment to hydrogen engine innovation and hydrogen-powered construction machinery.

This major investment is being spearheaded by a team of more than 100 engineers at JCB Power Systems in Foston, Derbyshire, where work is progressing rapidly on the development of a state-of-the-art hydrogen combustion engine.

The Chancellor previously toured the Foston facility in September 2022, during which she observed a live demonstration of a prototype digger powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. She also had the chance to see just how straightforward it was to refuel the machine with hydrogen.

During her latest visit, JCB Chairman Lord Anthony Bamford presented the newest breakthroughs in hydrogen refuelling technology. The Chancellor took part in a hands-on demonstration, refuelling a pre-production hydrogen backhoe loader using a towable mobile hydrogen refueller.

Rachel Reeves commented:
“It was fantastic to see JCB’s zero emission machinery yesterday in Staffordshire. JCB are making quick progress in ensuring hydrogen plays a vital role in decarbonising the construction industry, delivering the jobs of the future and supporting this government’s primary mission of growing the economy to put more money in people’s pockets.”

Lord Bamford added:
“It was a pleasure to show the Chancellor the great progress that British engineers are making in hydrogen engine technology and the associated refuelling technology. What’s needed now is more investment in green hydrogen production so that JCB’s hydrogen-powered equipment can be brought to market quickly and at scale.”

This visit comes on the heels of a major achievement for JCB, as the company has recently been granted full EU type-approval for its hydrogen engine, enabling its use in non-road mobile machinery. This approval paves the way for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold and operated in equipment across all 27 EU member states, as well as in other regions that recognise EU type-approvals, including the EEA and EFTA. In addition, full GB type-approval has also been secured.

JCB’s exciting work in hydrogen technology highlights the commitment to sustainable innovation and its leadership in the transition to zero-emission construction solutions.

View sustainability work being carried out directly here at Gunn JCB.

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