CMB.TECH and Luyckx unveil world’s first hydrogen-fueled excavator

CMB.TECH and Luyckx unveil the world’s first dual-fuel excavator fueled by hydrogen.

This machine promotes gradual environmental growth in the heavy construction and earthmoving industries. Companies in the sector can commence on an energy transition with today’s machines without being forever reliant on the supply of hydrogen with this machine.

“Driven by the wishes of our end users and fleet owners, we launched an own initiative feasibility study with regard to possible alternative solutions that help to reduce CO₂ emissions, make the machine park more sustainable and do business in a socially responsible way. We have been looking for the right solutions for several years. The challenge was mainly in the area of energy requirements for heavy machinery. Given this vision, the collaboration with CMB.TECH was started in order to convert a 37 ton excavator (Hitachi ZX350LC-7) to a dual fuel engine (hydrogen/diesel), thus taking a first concrete step towards greening the sector,” said Jos Luyckx – CEO Luyckx.

It is the first technology in the heavy excavator industry to allow concrete greening without restricting the machine’s power or autonomy. Traditional fuel is still available, and the machine can function even if a source of hydrogen is not available.

In other words, even if the hydrogen issue for the customer or site has not yet been entirely resolved, the machine can be purchased and put into service today. CO2 emissions from these first-generation dual-fuel machines can be decreased by up to 50%.

“The additional cost of the machines in the sector is rather limited, with the kgs of hydrogen used leading directly to CO₂ reduction. As of today, we offer the applications to enable up to 8 tonnes of CO₂ reduction per site per day, anywhere in the Benelux, without operational restrictions at the lowest possible cost,” said Roy Campe – CTO CMB.TECH.

CMB.TECH also unveiled their new mobile hydrogen refueller, in addition to the excavator. It can deliver up to 600 kg of green hydrogen to the consumer at 350 bar. This is applicable not only to excavators, but also to vehicles, port equipment, ships, and generators. The mobile refueling station is the solution to the provision of hydrogen in nautical and industrial applications.