JCB Unveils Rs 700 Crore Hydrogen Project in Grand Indian Debut

JCB showcased its £100 million project introducing super-efficient hydrogen engines for construction equipment, marking its debut in India.

The grand unveiling took place in New Delhi, graced by the esteemed presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

Witnessed for the first time globally, Gadkari unveiled the JCB backhoe loader, featuring a hydrogen combustion engine.

With the urgency to address carbon emission reduction targets, this cutting-edge development by JCB signifies a crucial step towards decarbonizing India’s construction sector.

Deepak Shetty, CEO and MD of JCB India, exclaimed at the event, “As COP28 kicks off in Dubai, UAE, the unveiling of the JCB 3DX backhoe loader powered by a hydrogen combustion engine in India is a fitting testament to our commitment to climate goals. JCB is showcasing a practical and affordable technology that is already poised to decarbonize construction not just in India but globally. We take immense pride in India being the first nation to present this prototype to the public.”

With a dedicated team of 150 engineers, JCB has crafted over 75 prototypes at its UK engine plant. These prototypes are already powering various machines like backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers, showcasing JCB’s strides in harnessing hydrogen power for construction equipment.

JCB’s commitment to reducing fuel consumption has seen a 50 percent decrease in diesel-powered machines’ fuel usage compared to those manufactured over a decade ago. This has translated to saving a staggering 16 billion liters of fuel, equivalent to 53 million tonnes of CO2.

Lord Bamford, Chairman of JCB, emphasized India’s unique opportunity to make hydrogen the linchpin of its net-zero future. He stated, “Hydrogen, derived from renewable energy, can be India’s clean, zero-carbon fuel. With abundant sun and water resources, India possesses the essential elements for hydrogen production. Our machines in India operate for long hours, making hydrogen’s fast refueling and mobile fuel solution ideal for the earthmoving sector.”

The shift from fossil fuels to hydrogen, as Lord Bamford stated, is inevitable. The hydrogen engine’s capacity to deliver equivalent power, torque, and efficiency while being zero-carbon underscores its viability and reliability, aligned with existing diesel engine technology.

The unveiling of working hydrogen combustion engines and prototype machines by JCB heralds a transformative phase in the construction industry, driving India towards a greener, sustainable future.