Hydrogen power is coming to plant machinery

Plant machinery with hydrogen-powered engines may seem like a futuristic idea, but it is already in the works. Ever since the UK Government passed legislation to ban the sale of all new diesel and petrol-powered vans and cars starting in 2030, it is only a matter of time before the same thing happens with plant machinery too.

Many critics believe the best solution for plant machinery is switching to hydrogen-powered engines, especially when it comes to heavier machinery. Hydrogen power does not produce any carbon emissions for the atmosphere, so it would be a glorious step towards achieving zero carbon emissions in the UK.

So why not electric-powered plant machinery? The battery and electric motor setup work well in cars and smaller plant machinery. Unfortunately, the electric batteries that exist right now are not strong enough to move a large plant machine, such as a 20-tonne excavator. Instead, you’d need to use an alternative energy solution like hydrogen to move these large plant machines.

When hydrogen power is delivered to construction sites, it will get transported in tanker trucks the same way diesel is delivered right now. Also, hydrogen-powered plant machines are not expected to cost too much more than traditional plant machines. As a result, the contractors can continue to pay the same prices while doing their part to protect the environment. It is a win-win situation for everybody.

It won’t be long before professional plant hire companies like Bison Plant Hire will include hydrogen-powered plant machinery in their inventory. It will be the way of the future for all contractors in the UK within the next decade.