Anthony Bamford, JCB chairman, said in a statement: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the new year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.”

JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to be sold in the Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. 

Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an “advanced” stage and “progressing well,” according to the company.