JCB fuels energy minister’s interest

24 July 2023

Energy minister Grant Shapps declared himself “impressed” with JCB’s early success in developing engines powered by hydrogen when he visited the manufacturer recently. 

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero went to JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire to see the progress a team of more than 150 engineers has made in developing hydrogen combustion engines for use in construction and agricultural machinery. 

And he challenged the company to have machines powered by the fuel working on building sites and farms by next year.

“This is a unique prospect that works well, and I've challenged JCB by the middle of next year – by 2024 – to be operating some of these on our roads and on construction sites,” he said. 

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford and CEO Graeme Macdonald also described the company’s development of battery powered machines, which include mini excavators compact telehandlers, with more than 20,000 already sold. 

They explained, however, how battery technology was largely unsuitable for heavier equipment due to the higher energy demands.

JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing around 200 per day at its UK plant in Derbyshire and the same number daily at its plant in Delhi.

Photo shows Grant Shapps, left, and Lord Bamford with JCB's hydrogen 3CX backhoe loader.