The Hydrogen Stream: JCN launches hydrogen-powered backhoe loader

UK-headquartered JCB launched its first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader, part of its £100 million ($135 million) investment in hydrogen engine technology. “The 3CX Hydrogen trio is powered by a 55 kW version of the JCB hydrogen engine. The machine is equipped with three hydrogen tanks, made of composite material and mounted on the cab roof, which provide enough storage capacity at a pressure of 350 bar to last an entire workday,” said in an emailed statement the company, which defines itself the world’s leading manufacturer of backhoe loaders. According to JCB, the 55 kW hydrogen engine delivers power and torque comparable to those of a diesel engine.

Syntholene announced that construction of its geothermal-integrated synthetic fuel demonstration facility in Iceland is ahead of schedule and that first operations could now occur as soon as June 2026. “Effects testing and real-world data gathering are expected to commence shortly thereafter, and the company is now targeting publication of its first efficiency and technoeconomic data as early as Q4 of 2026,” said the Chicago-based company, speaking about the project in Húsavík. Syntholene, which uses Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells, wants to become the first company to demonstrate the integration of geothermal heat with high-temperature electrolysis for synthetic fuel.

Hydrogen buses capable of travelling more than 400 kilometres on a single refuelling made their debut in Bologna, Italy. The vehicles, named Urbino 12, are produced by Poland’s Solaris Bus & Coach. “Once fully deployed, the Bologna network will have 127 hydrogen-powered Solaris fuel cell buses: they will be used primarily on urban routes requiring 12-metre vehicles and on suburban links between the city and the wider metropolitan area,” wrote the Bologna operator, adding that the acquisitions were allowed by European funds.

The first PEM electrolyzer arrays have been delivered and positioned on their foundations at the construction site in Rotterdam. “This 200 MW large-scale electrolyzer is a flagship initiative demonstrating the Group’s capacity to scale up pioneering technologies,” said the French industrial gas company, adding that the project will produce 23,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year.

Ohmium International and InSolare Energy announced their collaboration on a 4 MW capacity green hydrogen project for NLC India in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu. “The project has an estimated hydrogen production of up to 700 metric tons per year and will support multiple applications across power generation, industrial use, and mobility,” said the Californian and Indian companies in a joint press release.

Lhyfe and Strabag signed a strategic co-development partnership agreement for hydrogen projects, firstly targeting only Germany. “This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the hydrogen sector in Europe. Germany is currently transposing the Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) into national law and is positioning itself among the most advanced markets in structuring demand for renewable hydrogen (RFNBO),” said Lhyfe, adding that the introduction of binding targets creates a regulated and predictable market framework. 

Hydrogen Europe Research welcomed its first member from New Zealand, the University of Canterbury. “This marks an important step in the growing international dimension of our community, which started in 2024 with the acceptance of our first Canadian member”, said an the non-profit association connecting 170+ Universities and Research & Technology Organisations across 30 countries.