Darlington based Cummins Engines are forging ahead with its development of a hydrogen-fuelled engine aimed at helping the UK become carbon neutral – Isambard would be so proud! 

Darlington based Cummins are developing the units – known as H2-ICE – after receiving £7.2million of Government funding to accelerate the project, through the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The company says it is ready to move ahead with the development of a medium-duty 6.7-litre and a heavy-duty 15-litre engine

Cummins aim to achieve zero carbon emissions, enhanced power density and improved thermal efficiency and has the potential to play a major role in decarbonising commercial trucks and construction equipment from 2025. If successful, it could reduce more than 11 million tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of 2.4 million cars in the UK.

Last month, Cummins said the project would help safeguard around 640 jobs at the Yarm Road facility and would give workers the opportunity to learn new skills The estimated £14.6 million cost of the H2-ICE technical readiness project will be funded by the APC award of £7.2 million and extra investment by Cummins and industry partners.

Antonio Leitao, vice president of Cummins Europe, said: “Confirmation of the strategic support awarded by APC is excellent news for Cummins and our world-class research and development facility at Darlington UK as it will accelerate the pace of our hydrogen engine development.”

Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: “The BRUNEL Project is carrying on Darlington’s long tradition of skilled engineering, which will continue to grow for many years to come. We are working to build back better and greener after the pandemic and government investment in this scheme will help secure a better future for the next generation.”