JCB: A Pioneer of Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB) played a pioneering role in the development of hydrogen-powered heavy equipment. They launched the first-ever hydrogen-powered excavator in July 2020. The launch of the hydrogen-powered excavator was the birth of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
JCB again achieved a milestone in the hydrogen-powered equipment sector by unveiling the first-ever hydrogen refueller tank on October 20, 2022. This is nothing short of a revolution in the heavy equipment sector. This solves the major issue of on-site hydrogen refueling of machines. This invention is an indication that hydrogen-powered vehicles are the future of the construction industry. The officials at JCB are yet to make announcements on the details of the commercial availability of the first machines.
Need for an Alternative Fuel Source
Fossil fuels have always been an unstable source of energy with limited supplies. They are a major contributor to environmental pollution. The fumes released by burning fossil fuels destroy the ozone layer which creates the greenhouse effect. These fumes are also severely toxic for construction workers and have various long-term health implications.
To top this off, there is only a limited supply of fossil fuels left in the world. The formation of fossil fuels requires centuries, if not more. The construction sector was in desperate need of an alternative energy source to power these heavy machines.
Hydrogen was the answer to this question, a much more viable power source to fuel the needs of the construction industry. Hydrogen as an energy source has almost zero emissions. This means hydrogen-powered equipment will not cause any environmental pollution and thus will help in reducing the greenhouse effect.
Hydrogen also provides a consistent and never-ending supply. The scarcity of fossil fuels results in higher priced fuels which increase the overall construction costs. Hydrogen has a never-ending supply. There are plenty of sources for hydrogen extraction which ensures energy security for not only ourselves but for the generations to come.
Refueling of Hydrogen-Powered Machines
After the launch of the first hydrogen-powered excavator and other hydrogen-powered machinery, heavy equipment traders and construction firms started asking questions about how these machines will be refueled. Studies reveal that 97% of construction machines have fuel delivered to them on-site. This shows that refueling the construction equipment on site is a common industry practice. The absence of a refueling system, therefore, was a drawback of using hydrogen-powered equipment.
The hydrogen refueller tank is the answer everyone was looking for. The concept of hydrogen refueling is the same as that of diesel refueling. The new mobile hydrogen refueling system allows hydrogen to be taken from on-site tube trailers and distributed to machines by the refueller, on the Jobsite, while they are working. This significantly enhances the operational efficiency of these hydrogen-powered machines.
Developments in the Hydrogen-Powered Equipment Sector
The popularity and demand for hydrogen-powered equipment is constantly growing. Big names in the industry are now heavily investing in this sector. JCB, the pioneer in hydrogen-powered equipment, has also invested heavily in this sector. Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, revealed that they have invested a staggering £100 million in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines.
They have also showcased the working prototypes of a hydrogen-powered backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler. Other large players heavily investing in the hydrogen-powered equipment sectors are SANY, Volvo, and Hyundai Construction Equipment. A movement away from the use of fossil fuels has taken shape, and large manufacturers are taking notice.