JCB’s World First in Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Trials
Whereas on-road hydrogen powered vehicles use fuels cells to produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, off-road hydrogen powered machinery, powered by internal combustion engines, is set to be used on major infrastructure projects to reduce the carbon impact of the construction sector
The Lower Thames Crossing, a major infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion and boosting economic connectivity across the East of London, is using hydrogen powered vehicles.
Billed as the "greenest road ever built in Britain", the project has completed its first successful hydrogen-powered construction trial.
A path to net zero
Led by National Highways, the Lower Thames Crossing is not just about new roads.
It’s a pathfinder project dedicated to innovating low-carbon construction practices.
With the backing of key industry players such as Gallagher Group, JCB and Ryze Power, the recent trial showcases how hydrogen, a zero tailpipe emission fuel, can be effectively deployed at scale.
“The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project, designed to be the greenest road ever built in Britain,” says Matt Palmer, Executive Director at Lower Thames Crossing.
“At the heart of these plans is the use of clean low-carbon hydrogen power and by using it on such a large scale to power our heavy construction machinery that is traditionally hard to electrify
“We can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel and help kick start the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.”
The project has set a goal to cut construction-related carbon emissions by 70% from its initial estimates.
A key part of achieving this target is the complete elimination of diesel from its construction sites by 2027.
Once work begins, expected as early as 2026, the site will rely on electric vehicles, electric plants and hydrogen-powered heavy machinery.
Proving the power of hydrogen
On 4 June 2025, a pivotal trial took place at Gallagher’s Hermitage Quarry in Kent.
A JCB 540-180H Loadall, fitted with a hydrogen combustion engine, was deployed to carry out masonry work, replacing a diesel-powered counterpart.
The test was a success, demonstrating safe operation, functional mobile refuelling infrastructure and real-world emissions reductions.
“The JCB engine is fuelled by hydrogen gas, a zero CO₂ fuel rather than diesel, which is a fossil fuel,” says Tim Burnhope, Group Director for Special Projects at JCB.
“JCB is the first in the world to deploy this technology in machinery like this, which makes it perfect for sustainable construction and quarry operations.”
The machine saved around 205kg of CO₂ per week compared with traditional diesel versions.
Backed by more than 22,500 hours of engine testing and 30,000 hours of field trials, including 25,000km on the road, JCB’s hydrogen-powered machines are primed for wider deployment.
“A part of our own journey to net zero and in keeping with our drive for low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions, Gallagher were delighted to host and carry out this Hydrogen Trial in Partnership with JCB, Lower Thames Crossing and RYZE,” says Sean Connor, Managing Director at Gallagher Group.
“As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, Gallagher are proud to be at the forefront of adopting new innovative solutions.”
Building the hydrogen ecosystem
Ryze Power, the project’s hydrogen supplier, sees this initiative as a catalyst for sector-wide transformation.
“We know how transformative hydrogen can be when used in the construction sector – something that this successful trial has proven,” explains Alex Webster, Sales Director at Ryze Power.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to see this first-of-its-kind project start to come to fruition.
“Hydrogen has a vital part to play in the UK’s energy mix and this project will not only help with decarbonisation, but will be a huge step forwards in the creation of strong and thriving hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary and beyond.”
Later this year, the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to award a contract for the supply, storage and distribution of hydrogen to its construction sites.
As the largest volume of hydrogen ever procured for a UK transport project, this commitment will give confidence to suppliers and contractors to invest in hydrogen-powered machinery and upskill their workforces accordingly.
The Thames Estuary Growth Board forecasts that a robust hydrogen ecosystem could contribute US$3.8bn GVA to the region and support 9,000 skilled jobs by 2035.
With hydrogen hubs emerging across the UK, the scale and certainty of demand from the Lower Thames Crossing project are likely to accelerate regional development.
Restoring nature
Beyond clean energy, the Lower Thames Crossing is embedding environmental stewardship throughout the project.
At least 1 million trees will be planted, new public parks will be created in Thurrock and Gravesham and a community woodland will be established at Hole Farm.
Almost 40 miles of pathways will be built or upgraded for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders – triple the distance of the road itself.
Following planning permission granted in March 2025, the project is currently engaging with the government on funding.
If approved, construction could begin in 2026 with completion expected in the early 2030s.
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