A new report reveals hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) as the leading technological solution to decarbonise critical off-road heavy-duty sectors, from construction and agriculture to mining and forestry, which rely heavily on non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) for their operations.
Issued today, “Powering Growth - The Role of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines in Non-Road Mobile Machinery” provides key findings and recommendations for advancing hydrogen engines in the UK’s off-road machinery market - a sector both economically crucial and challenging to decarbonise.
IAAPS contributed significantly to the report, with Research Director Professor Sam Akehurst leading the analysis on Performance and Efficiency, underscoring the organisation’s role in pioneering practical, research-driven solutions to support the UK’s net-zero goals. Professor Akehurst's expertise helped reveal that H2ICE technology can match or exceed diesel engine efficiency while producing a fraction of the emissions, showcasing its feasibility as a sustainable replacement.
“Hydrogen internal combustion engines offer immediate decarbonisation for NRMM by facilitating a quick transition to hydrogen fuel, driving investment and infrastructure growth for hydrogen,” Akehurst stated. He emphasised H2ICE’s potential as the least inflationary option, leveraging existing manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.
The report was commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) via the Off-takers Working Group of the Hydrogen Delivery Council (HDC) and published by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and the Hydrogen Energy Association. It includes recommendations for government recognition of H2ICE as a zero-emissions technology, aligning with EU standards. Additional recommendations include incentives to support low-emission solutions in public procurement, regulatory alignment for hydrogen safety, and financial support for NRMM fuel switching.
Key findings include:
• Performance and Efficiency: H2ICE technology can match or surpass diesel engines, enabling swift decarbonisation and supporting hydrogen market expansion.
• Air Quality Benefits: With emissions reductions 14-20 times lower than current diesel engines, H2ICE could save £150m–£505m in environmental and healthcare costs annually.
• Minimal NOx and Particulates: Research shows H2ICE technology can reduce NOx and particulate emissions by over 98%, enhancing urban air quality.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: H2ICE allows a 99.95% reduction in CO₂ emissions, leveraging existing industry infrastructure for rapid deployment.
• Economic Impact: H2ICE represents a £17.6 billion opportunity to secure and expand UK jobs, while reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainable technology.
Click here to read the full report “Powering Growth: The role of hydrogen internal combustion engines in non-road mobile machinery”.
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11 November 2024