Hydrogen diggers and tractors could be a regular sight on UK roads, as the government unveils its “hydrogen-powered revolution” plans.
The government has launched a four-week consultation on plans to amend existing rules on hydrogen-powered NRMM (non-road mobile machinery), such as diggers, tractors, mobile cranes and other construction and farming vehicles.
The proposed rule change follows NRMM manufacturers identifying hydrogen as a potential means of decarbonising parts of the NRMM sector and reducing emissions from the tailpipe where battery electric power is not practical.
Hydrogen-powered NRMMs cannot currently be used on public roads without an exemption, known as a vehicle special order (VSO), and manufacturers say this is a barrier to the wider uptake of low-emission and zero-emission NRMM.
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The government is now consulting the wider industry on these proposals. The consultation will last for four weeks, until 24 April.
Technology and decarbonisation minister, Anthony Browne, said: “Allowing hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to use our roads is a common-sense move to help reduce emissions.
“These proposals are an important part of our plan to decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping roll out this cutting-edge technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.”
Earlier this month it was revealed , nearly 1,000 zero-emission buses are to hit the road, as the government invests a fresh £143m in greener transport across England.
