Lower Thames Crossing begins one of world’s largest deployments of zero-emissions construction machinery

National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing project is on track to meet its goal to be the first major infrastructure project in the UK to be carbon neutral, as the roll out of zero-emissions construction equipment is underway.

Work on the new road and tunnel under the River Thames began in early 2026, and is being carried out only using electric, HVO and hydrogen powered equipment and machinery.

Over 30 zero-emissions machines are already working on sites across Kent and Essex, with the fleet expected to grow to around 150 by peak construction in 2028 – with the Construction Equipment Association predicting it will be one the largest deployments of zero emission equipment for an infrastructure project anywhere in the world. Machines currently at work include 20 tonne excavators, rollers, tractors, telehandlers and hydrogen generators.

No diesel has been permitted on Lower Thames Crossing construction sites since 2025 – another first for a major British infrastructure project.

Matt Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of the Lower Thames Crossing, revealed the news in the project’s 2025-26 Sustainability Report.

Matt Palmer said: “We’re making real progress on the Lower Thames Crossing, and our ambition to make this the greenest road ever built in the UK means we’re cutting carbon on a scale that hasn’t been tried before. By putting these zero-emissions machines to work, we’re showing that the construction industry can break its reliance on diesel and these innovative low-carbon approaches can become normal practice on projects across the UK.”

The Lower Thames Crossing was designated as a carbon pathfinder project to reduce its carbon footprint, and prove that low-carbon methods could be rolled out at scale to support the construction industry’s transition to net zero. The approach pioneered by the project has now been adopted by over £30 billion of future projects planned by organisations such as Sizewell C, Anglian Water and East West Rail.

Alongside its progress on decarbonising construction, the 2025–26 Sustainability Report sets out progress against the project’s wider commitments to communities, local businesses and nature. Highlights include:

• Securing the supply of green hydrogen from British firm GeoPura, which has since invested in a local production facility at the Port of Tilbury.  Work at the northern tunnel portal site is being completely powered by hydrogen
• Opening of the project’s first Skills Hub in Gravesham, with over 150 local people given free training in construction skills, and conversations with over 600 local businesses to help them win work on the Lower Thames Crossing
• Completing of a new nature site near the village of Thong, the first of over 3,000 acres of green space being created by the project
• Detailed archaeology digs across the local area, uncovering local history 

The Lower Thames Crossing will tackle congestion at the Dartford Crossing and create a more reliable trade route connecting South East ports with the Midlands and the North.

The project was granted planning permission in March 2025, and in November 2025 was allocated the final part of public funding that allowed it to start work and seek private investment to complete construction and operate the new road. The road is expected to open in the early to mid-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.