Lower Thames Crossing Set to Become UK’s First Carbon-Neutral Infrastructure Project as world’s first hydrogen powered digger gets to work

British-made hydrogen digger makes global debut as National Highways leads low-carbon construction revolution

National Highways has announced that the Lower Thames Crossing will be the first major infrastructure project in the UK to achieve carbon neutrality during construction—a milestone move that signals a new era in sustainable development.

This commitment was demonstrated on the ground as a hydrogen-powered JCB digger—the first of its kind to operate outside a test environment—was used for live construction work on the site in Kent. The deployment is part of a broader strategy to eliminate diesel from the project’s construction phase by 2027.

A Nationally Significant and Sustainable Scheme

The Lower Thames Crossing is set to double road capacity across the Thames by creating a new road and tunnel linking Kent and Essex. Designed to relieve congestion at the heavily used Dartford Crossing, the new route will also improve freight connectivity between ports in the South East and major industrial centres in the Midlands and North.

Beyond its logistical benefits, the project is being positioned as a carbon pathfinder, aimed at showcasing how modern infrastructure can support both economic growth and the UK’s net-zero targets. It is the first of a new generation of infrastructure schemes aligned with the country’s ambition to become a global leader in clean energy.

Cutting Carbon by 70% – and Offsetting the Rest

As part of its carbon-neutral commitment, the Lower Thames Crossing aims to reduce its construction-related emissions by 70%, using innovative design, construction methods, and materials. Any remaining carbon will be offset—using best practices and only after all possible reduction methods have been exhausted—with offsets scheduled for the early 2030s.

The announcement was accompanied by the release of the project’s latest sustainability report, detailing the project’s approach to low-carbon construction and its broader environmental strategy.

World-First: Hydrogen Machinery in Action

A British-built JCB hydrogen excavator, operated by Skanska and provided by Flannery Plant Hire, was deployed near Gravesend to carry out ground investigations. The hydrogen fuel was supplied by Ryze. This marked the first live deployment of hydrogen-powered construction machinery on any site worldwide.

The excavator has already demonstrated strong performance, cutting over 1 tonne of CO₂ equivalent emissions in its first four weeks of use. Following a successful pilot earlier this year at Hermitage Quarry, the JCB hydrogen digger is now undergoing final testing ahead of mass production in 2026 at JCB’s facility in Staffordshire.

“This is a huge milestone for the construction industry,” said Steve Fox, Managing Director for Global Major Accounts at JCB. “Hydrogen has now proven its viability on a working infrastructure project.”

The project plans to fully phase out diesel by 2027, making the largest single purchase of green hydrogen ever made for a UK construction programme. A contract to supply, store and distribute hydrogen is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

Building a Road with Nature in Mind

National Highways also aims to ensure that the Lower Thames Crossing becomes the greenest road ever built in the UK. Plans include:

• Planting one million trees

• Creating two public parks and a new woodland

• Establishing a wetland habitat for birds

• Adding 40 miles of walking, cycling, and equestrian paths

• Constructing seven green bridges to enable wildlife crossings and reduce habitat fragmentation

• Designing 80% of the route to be hidden in tunnels, cuttings, or behind landscaped embankments to reduce visual and environmental impact

“Our commitment to being carbon neutral and restoring nature shows the British construction sector can deliver essential infrastructure while protecting the environment,” said Matt Palmer, Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing at National Highways.

Backing from Government

Simon Lightwood, Minister for Roads and Buses, praised the project as a model for delivering climate-conscious infrastructure:

“The Lower Thames Crossing will cut journey times and ease congestion for drivers and freight operators, while setting new standards for sustainable construction. It’s a win for the environment and the economy.”

What’s Next?

The project received development consent in March 2025 and is now working with the government on funding arrangements. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new road anticipated to open in the early 2030s.