Consultation could lead to more hydrogen tractor production

Hydrogen-powered tractors and agricultural machinery could become a regular sight on British roads, following a new government consultation running this month.

The four-week consultation by the Department for Transport, which runs until 24 April, will gather views on whether hydrogen-powered, non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) should be legally allowed to operate on roads.  

See also: Big tractor engine makers bet on hydrogen as future fuel

Hydrogen-powered NRMM cannot currently be used on public roads without an exemption, known as a vehicle special order (VSO), which manufacturers have highlighted as a barrier to the wider uptake of such low-emission and zero-emission machinery.

Technology and decarbonisation minister Anthony Browne said: “Allowing hydrogen-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 decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping to roll out this cutting-edge hydrogen technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.”

The launch of the consultation comes after the government issued manufacturer JCB with a VSO last year, giving the company permission to test its hydrogen-powered machinery on UK roads.

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