Flannery Delivers World-First Hydrogen Backhoe on a Live Construction Site

3 October 2025

Flannery Plant Hire has supplied the world’s first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader into live operation, marking a major milestone in sustainable construction and low-emission plant hire.

Working in partnership with JCB, Ryze Hydrogen and Skanska, Flannery has deployed the hydrogen-fuelled 3CX is now supporting ground investigation works on the Lower Thames Crossing in Kent. This marks the first time a hydrogen construction machine has moved beyond testing into real-world use.

This breakthrough highlights Flannery’s leadership in sustainable plant hire, zero-emission construction equipment and hydrogen-powered machinery, helping clients meet net zero targets and driving innovation across major UK infrastructure projects.

Paul Hester, Operations Director:

Flannery feel that zero emission power is important on site because it's the legacy that we're trying to leave behind us. The most important parts for us is community well-being, the environment, and basically making sure we're leaving sites in a better condition than when we first started on them.

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