Volvo Penta, in collaboration with Belgium-based CMB.TECH has created a “breakthrough technology” that combines a traditional internal-combustion diesel engine with a hydrogen injection system.

The dual-fuel engine is based on Volvo Penta’s 8-litre D8 and can run on hydrogen fuel, which reduces carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 80%, or on diesel fuel when hydrogen is not available.

The engine is currently being tested in Europe before being introduced to small-scale production. It is viewed as an intermediate solution that will allow customers to transition to net-zero emissions before zero-emission alternatives become more feasible. The hydrogen add-on kit and tank for the D8 engine were developed by CMB.TECH and meet European Stage V emissions standards.

According to Volvo Penta, the technology is relatively simple and can be installed with minimal disruption, making it a cost-effective and robust solution for customers in various industries, including construction and mining. Heléne Mellquist, president of Volvo Penta, believes that the dual-fuel approach will appeal to many customers due to its ease of installation, maintenance, and use.