Hydrogen round-up: 5 of construction’s latest initiatives

JCB signs multi-billion-euro hydrogen deal

JCB has signed a deal said to be worth billions of euros, to buy green hydrogen from Australian energy company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).

The purchase will make FFI the UK’s largest supplier of the clean fuel, while driving forward JCB’s plans to launch hydrogen-powered construction equipment onto the market.

JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford told the BBC that pursuing the use of green hydrogen in the construction industry was “the right thing to do”.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford, left, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with the new hydrogen Loadall telehandler

The firm also revealed that it will invest £100 million ($138.3 million, €118.5 million) to produce hydrogen engines.

The company has targeted Q4 2022 as the launch date for the first customer machines.

JCB unveiled a prototype hydrogen-powered backhoe and also a telescopic handler at an event attended by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

New Aggreko initiative drives hydrogen power

Temporary power specialist Aggreko has launched a Greener Upgrades initiative that will see the launch of new products including hydrogen powered generators and an online emissions estimator.

Greener Upgrades will see the company invest £30m by year end to accelerate uptake of sustainable on-site solutions and new tech.

Among the new releases will be hydrogen power generation units and fuel cells integrated with battery storage, to form a 45kVA hybrid solution.

Doosan Bobcat CEO: We have to look at hydrogen

Doosan Bobcat is looking at hydrogen power for its machines as key barriers to its implementation are being reduced, says Scott Park, President and CEO of Doosan Bobcat.

Speaking to International Construction magazine for an in-depth interview that will appear in the November issue of the magazine, Park admitted that hydrogen power was on the agenda for the compact equipment specialist.

China Yuchai forms JV to develop hydrogen fuel cells

China Yuchai International, an OEM manufacturer and distributor of engines for on- and off-road applications through its subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company (GYMCL), has entered into an agreement to develop hydrogen fuel cell powertrain systems for the national market.

Headquarters of China Yuchai International

Based in the Daxing district of Beijing, the project will be a joint venture between Yuchai Xin-Lan New Energy Power Technology Company and Beijing Xing Shun Da Bus Company.

The project will focus on development of components and complete fuel cells for use in on- and off-road applications.

Rolls announces hydrogen offering

Rolls-Royce said its mtu Series 500 and 4000 gas engines will be capable of burning 100% hydrogen starting in 2023.

The company said that as of now gensets powered by mtu Series 500 and Series 4000 gas engines can be operated with a gas blending of 10% hydrogen and that beginning in 2022, operation with a hydrogen content of 25% will be possible.