JCB's Hydrogen Engine Receives European Approval for Commercial Use
Key Ideas
- JCB's hydrogen engine, developed over three years with a £100 million investment, has obtained approval from 11 European licensing authorities.
- The approval allows for the commercial sale of JCB's hydrogen engine in multiple European countries, with more certifications expected in 2025.
- The chairman, Anthony Bamford, expressed optimism for the future of hydrogen combustion technology, highlighting the efforts of the British engineering team.
- Real-world testing of JCB's hydrogen equipment, including backhoe loaders and telescopic handlers, is ongoing with positive outcomes.
JCB has successfully secured approval from multiple European licensing authorities for the commercial use of its hydrogen engine in construction and agricultural machines. After investing £100 million and dedicating a team of 150 engineers to the project for over three years, JCB has become the pioneer in developing a fully functional combustion engine fueled by hydrogen. The chairman of JCB, Anthony Bamford, expressed great satisfaction with the recent certifications, noting that this achievement signals a promising future for hydrogen combustion technology. The company has already produced over 130 evaluation engines that are currently powering various equipment like backhoe loaders and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB's hydrogen-powered machinery on customers' sites is progressing well. The first official certification came from the Netherlands' Vehicle Authority RDW, with other European countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain also granting approval. This milestone not only opens up new market opportunities in Europe but also showcases the dedication of British engineers in advancing sustainable technology.