Further to its Call for Evidence last month on decarbonising NRRM (non-road mobile machinery), the government has consulted on replacing/reforming the VSO (vehicle special order) currently required to operate a hydrogen-powered tractor or loader on public roads.
Previously, the NFU wrote:
- JCB’s hydrogen combustion technology appears promising, if they can prove its safety in fuel distribution and handling.
- The accessibility of alternative fuels including availability and distribution may pose other challenges such as fuel handling safety and planning / landscape issues. Farmers need to understand more about the potential distribution methods and infrastructure required for alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen (e.g. tankers, pipelines).
- Some large specialist machinery, such as those used for sugar beet and pea harvesters, may be arguably better suited to retrofitting with low-carbon engine technology rather than complete replacement.