The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho recently visited JCB to see the manufacturer’s hydrogen combustion engine technology.
Ms Coutinho said: “It was terrific to visit JCB to see their pioneering hydrogen combustion engines powering a new generation of diggers. Countries around the world are queuing up to work with brilliant UK businesses, like JCB.
“It’s our great British tradition of innovation that is creating well-paid jobs across the country and helping us export our world-leading climate change tech. When it comes to Net Zero, I want Britain to reap the rewards and prosperity it can bring rather than punishing hard working families and businesses.
“It is incredibly inspiring to see the levels of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout JCB.”
On the day she met JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, who has spearheaded the project. More than 150 engineers currently work on the hydrogen engine, with 120 units produced so far.
He explained that the company had already launched a range of electric compact machines, with more than 200,000 already working but that battery technology was unsuitable for larger machines.
Ms Coutinho was then shown a hydrogen-powered Loadall working and sat in the cabin of a hydrogen backhoe. She then tried her hand at refuelling using the company’s purpose-built hydrogen bowser.
Lord Bamford said: “It was a pleasure for the JCB team to show the Secretary of State the wonderful progress that JCB’s British engineers are making in developing a zero-carbon solution to power our machines of the future.
“They will need to be powered by something other than fossil fuels and super-efficient, affordable, high-tech hydrogen combustion engines with zero emissions can be answer for the construction industry and agriculture. What’s more, they can be brought to market quickly using our existing supply base.”
For more information go to www.jcb.com