News Item: DfT Consultation on Enabling Road Use of Hydrogen-powered Non-road Mobile Machinery
Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) manufacturers have identified hydrogen as a potential means of decarbonising parts of the NRMM sector where lithium-ion or other battery power is not practical.
Hydrogen-powered NRMM cannot currently be used on public roads without an exemption, known as a vehicle special order (VSO), which manufacturers have highlighted as a barrier to the wider uptake of low emission and zero emission NRMM.
In this consultation, the Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on the proposed approach to address this regulatory barrier. They want to restrict the scope of the amendment to machinery originally designed to run on hydrogen and capable of being driven on the road.
Further details can be found here, and the deadline for comments is Wednesday 24th April 2024.
HAE EHA has also responded to the Government’s call for evidence on decarbonising NRMM
The Association sets out the opportunities, but also challenges and barriers to decarbonising NRMM fleets. Primary among these is the lack of incentives on greener fuels and purchasing greener equipment.
We also point out that the hire sector has been investing in cleaner, low carbon assets helping with Net Zero ambitions and cleaner air objectives.
If you have any questions about the NRMM response or any other UK Government involvement, please contact Public Affairs Manager Mark Bradshaw on 0121 380 4621.