Tractors, diggers and forklifts powered by H₂ will help building sites and agricultural businesses go greener under government plans set out. A switch to cleaner technology will allow construction and farming, 2 key parts of the economy, to decarbonize faster.

New regulations, set out in a consultation launched today, would allow H₂-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to be used on roads in Great Britain. The consultation will run for 4 weeks, closing on April 24, 2024.

Technology and Decarbonization Minister, Anthony Browne said, “Allowing H₂-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 decarbonize transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping roll out this cutting-edge H₂ technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.”

H₂-powered construction and farming vehicles can improve the sustainability of the sector by reducing emissions from the tailpipe. The launch of the consultation comes after the government issued construction equipment manufacturer JCB with a vehicle special order last year, giving the company permission to test its H₂-powered diggers on UK roads.

Today’s proposals will expand this permission permanently across the sector, meaning manufacturers can more easily scale up production of sustainable equipment where battery electric power is not practical.

Alongside electric, H₂ is one of many sustainable fuel sources that could accelerate decarbonization. Projects such as the government-funded Tees Valley H₂ Hub are showing how green H₂ can be utilized across the transport sector, creating jobs and apprenticeships in the region and boosting the economy.