JCB Hydrogen Excavators Approved For UK Roads
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Construction Kenya.
This is the sub-heading.
The government’s move supports the UK’s broader net-zero goals.
These are the first two paragraphs.
JCB has celebrated a landmark decision by the UK government allowing hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machinery on public roads, effective from April 29.
This change enables hydrogen-fuelled diggers, tractors, and other machinery to operate between sites and farms, reducing carbon emissions in two highly polluting industries.
JCB celebrated by driving a hydrogen-powered excavator through London to meet the Minister.
I would have thought that this event would have had more coverage in the news.
But then hydrogen is a taboo subject to many politicians and the media, as the Hindenburg got the anti-hydrogen publicity right.
The Anonymous Widower 
A very good point. The only predictable and boringly repeated anti-hydrogen comment we hear is “what about the Hindenburg”.
The Hindenburg did not explode, as you all know hydrogen only explodes in a confined space with the right gas/air ratio. The airship, filled with hydrogen for buoyancy, caught fire during mooring on a tall mast. The flames from the gas and fabrics rose up from the airship as can be seen in the films
If it was on the ground, perhaps the passengers and crew could have walked away to safety.
If hydrogen leaks from a storage vessel it floats into the atmosphere with little or no environmental problems. Not so with petrol or diesel fuels.
As for safety, how many untrained and unsupervised people can fill their vehicle tanks with a potentially hazardous petroleum fluid. If this is safe, hydrogen as a fuel could be safer.
Chris
Comment by Chris | May 12, 2025 |