Hydrogen powered construction a step closer after successful Lower Thames Crossing trial

The Lower Thames Crossing project’s plan to replace diesel with hydrogen in its heavy construction machinery, and help accelerate Britian’s transition to clean power, came a step closer today (4 June 2025), following the successful conclusion of its first hydrogen trial in partnership with Gallagher Group, JCB and hydrogen supplier Ryze Power. 

The trial was hosted at the family-run Gallagher’s Hermitage Quarry in Kent, and was carried out using a JCB 540-180H Loadall powered by a hydrogen combustion engine fuelled with low carbon hydrogen. The machine replaced the use of an existing diesel-powered JCB Loadall for masonry work and successfully demonstrated the safe operation of hydrogen combustion powered equipment and mobile refuelling infrastructure. The trial proved that the equipment would not only meet the project’s needs but would produce zero tailpipe emissions and save around 205kg of CO₂ per machine, per week when compared to traditional diesel fuelled equivalents. 

The Lower Thames Crossing is a pathfinder project exploring low-carbon construction. It has set itself a target of a 70% reduction in its construction carbon, against its original calculations, and a significant proportion of the reductions will be achieved by eliminating diesel from its construction sites by 2027. When construction gets underway, which could be as early as 2026, it will use electric vehicles and plant, and hydrogen to power its heavy construction machinery – a first for a major project in the UK.  

The contract for the supply, storage and distribution of hydrogen to its construction sites is expected to be awarded later this year.  

By buying the largest ever volume of hydrogen on a UK transport project, the Lower Thames Crossing will accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel by providing its supply chain the confidence to invest in hydrogen-powered machines, as well as develop the new skills required to operate and maintain them.  

It will also help jumpstart the highly anticipated development of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary, which the Thames Estuary Growth Board estimate to be worth £3.8 billion GVA and would create 9,000 highly skilled jobs by 2035. Hydrogen hubs are already emerging across the UK, and the certainty and scale of demand created during the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing would push the establishment of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary. 

JCB’s hydrogen engines have undergone rigorous testing, surpassing 22,500 hours in engine test cells while JCB hydrogen-powered machines have completed over 30,000 hours of testing on the company’s proving grounds and 25,000km on the road.   

JCB 540-180H Loadall powered by a hydrogen combustion engine

Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project, designed to be the greenest road ever built in Britain. At the heart of these plans is the use of clean low-carbon hydrogen power, and by using it on such a large scale to power our heavy construction machinery that is traditionally hard to electrify, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel, and help kick start the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.” 

Tim Burnhope, Group Director – Special Projects at JCB said: “The JCB engine is fuelled by hydrogen gas, a zero CO2 fuel rather than diesel, which is a fossil fuel. JCB is the first in the world to deploy this technology in machinery like this, which makes it perfect for sustainable construction and quarry operations.” 

Ryze Power Sales Director, Alex Webster, said: “We know how transformative hydrogen can be when used in the construction sector – something that this successful trial has proven. It’s incredibly satisfying to see this first-of-its-kind project start to come to fruition. Hydrogen has a vital part to play in the UK’s energy mix and this project will not only help with decarbonisation, but will be a huge step forwards in the creation of strong and thriving hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary and beyond.” 

Sean Connor, Managing Director, Gallagher Group said: “A part of our own journey to NetZero and in keeping with our drive for low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions, Gallagher were delighted to host and carry out this Hydrogen Trial in Partnership with JCB, Lower Thames Crossing and RYZE. As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, Gallagher are proud to be at the forefront of adopting new innovative solutions.” 

The Lower Thames Crossing is a new road and tunnel under the Thames designed to tackle congestion and unlock economic growth by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London and creating a reliable route that better links the ports of the south-east with the midlands and the north.  

It plans to be the greenest road ever built in the UK, and will plant at least 1 million additional trees, create a new community woodland at Hole Farm, new public parks in Thurrock and Gravesham and create or improve almost 40 miles of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, 3 miles of path for every mile of road. 

The project received planning permission in March 2025 and is now working with the government on funding options.  Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.    

For further information contact us at info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 5000. You can also get the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and our YouTube channel.