International construction giant Komatsu has unveiled a concept for a new medium-sized hydraulic excavator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
The firm said the machine’s development supports its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire range of construction equipment.
Komatsu worked with Toyota Motor Corporation on the concept, with the project being overseen by operating officer and president Koji Sato.
The concept features an integrated hydrogen fuel-cell system and a hydrogen tank.
The fuel-cell system combines Toyota’s hydrogen system with Komatsu’s own control technology and key components to deliver zero exhaust emissions.
Komatsu says proof-of-concept tests are underway and that it is quickening efforts to bring medium and large construction equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells into commercial production.
In terms of digging efficiency and operability, the excavator is expected to deliver performance equal to that of the comparable engine-driven machine.
Komatsu aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% from the use of its products and equipment production by 2030, compared with 2010 levels.
It has also set itself a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Image: Concept for Komatsu’s new mid-sized hydrogen-powered excavator. Credit: Komatsu
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