CPA Bulletin

34 CPA Bulletin > May 2023 www.cpa.uk.net NEWS FROM CPA MEMBERS: 1 News from CPA Members To submit news for consideration for future issues of the CPA Bulletin, please email lisa @ lisacollinscommunications.co.uk World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Digger Set to Drive on UK Roads The world’s first digger, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, will soon be on UK roads and building sites following recent government approval, helping to decarbonise the construction industry. The government has given special dispensation, under a vehicle special order, that allows JCB to test and use its world-first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader on UK roads. The vehicle special order given by the Transport Secretary allows JCB to test its new hydrogen-powered machine on the public highway. This backhoe loader is the first of its kind and offers a pioneering solution to help reduce emissions on construction sites. Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said: “From cars to construction sites, industry has a vital role in decarbonising our economy and creating green jobs and prosperity. JCB’s investment in greener equipment is a great example of how industry can make this happen, using alternative fuels to generate sustainable economic growth. “JCB’s prototype hydrogen-powered backhoe loader is an important first step in the construction industry’s efforts to decarbonise in what is a ‘hard to decarbonise’ sector. Hydrogen combustion machines can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions in settings where other types of clean power may not be the most practical or efficient.” JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Securing this vehicle special order from the Department for Transport is an important first step in getting JCB machines that are powered by hydrogen combustion engines to and from British building sites using the public highway. It’s an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its net zero ambitions. “JCB’s hydrogen-powered backhoe loader is a world first in our industry, a digger with a purpose-engineered internal combustion engine that uses hydrogen gas as the energy source. It’s a real breakthrough - a zero CO2 fuel providing the power to drive the pistons in an internal combustion engine, a technology that’s been around for over 100 years, a technology that we are all familiar with.” Sunbelt Rentals has partnered with Shindaiwa to introduce the first 100 revolutionary Eco Hybrid welder generators to its industrial business. The newEco Hybrid welder generators will be introduced across the depot network on refineries, chemical plants and steelworks in the UK. The 300amp Shindaiwa Eco Hybrid welder generator sets the standard for more environmentally friendly welding solutions by saving customers up to 60% in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous eco models. It is equipped with a number of innovative features from auto stop/start, ultra-quiet technology and a capacitor that works alongside the Stage V diesel engine to deliver responsive power. Units will be supplied with a Chalwyn valve and spark arrestor fitted to ensure they meet the stringent safety requirements of COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) sites. Steve Smith, Director - Industrial and Lifting at Sunbelt Rentals said: “By introducing the Eco Hybrid welder generator to our fleet we’re able to offer our customers an alternative, greener solution that reduces running costs with significant carbon and fuel savings.” Sunbelt Secures UK’s First Shindaiwa Eco HybridWelder Generators