JCB’s hydrogen engine gains approval for commercial use, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions

JCB has overcome key challenges in developing the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine, receiving approval from licensing authorities for commercial use in machinery

JCB has achieved a major milestone in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine, securing approvals from licensing authorities for its commercial use in machinery.

As the first construction equipment manufacturer to create a fully functional hydrogen-powered combustion engine, JCB has invested £100 million in the project, with a dedicated team of 150 engineers working on it for over three years. The Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority (RDW) was the first to grant official certification, authorizing the engine’s sale in the Dutch market.

Above: Lord Bamford receives official certification from RDW officials André van de Visser and Marc Feijen, approving the sale of hydrogen combustion engines in The Netherlands.

Following RDW’s lead, other European licensing authorities have issued similar certifications, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Additional countries are expected to grant approval throughout 2025.

“This marks a significant moment for JCB. Starting the New Year with certifications in so many European countries is a promising step forward for hydrogen combustion technology,” said JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford. “JCB has demonstrated that hydrogen engines are a viable zero-emissions solution for construction and agricultural machinery. This formal type approval paves the way for the widespread adoption of hydrogen engines across the UK and Europe. I’m particularly proud of our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone.”

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  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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