In late 2025, Balfour Beatty marked a significant milestone in sustainable rail operations by completing a ground-breaking trial of hydrogen-powered engine cleaning technology (Engine Carbon Clean / ECC) on a compact tamping machine. This innovative solution, deployed in partnership with Advanced Hydrogen Technologies, K2C Rail and partners including 1stinrail (part of the RSK Group), demonstrated clear environmental and operational benefits — reducing harmful emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and supporting wider decarbonisation goals across the rail fleet.
”ECC is a simple, non-intrusive solution that integrates seamlessly into our servicing schedules. By extending engine life, reducing maintenance needs and lowering fuel consumption, ECC delivers measurable carbon and cost savings while minimising downtime — a smart, sustainable investment for our fleet.
George ChaplinInvestment & Innovation Manager, Balfour Beatty
”The technology is already proven on road vehicles with similar engine types … working with rail experts means the ECC team are fully aware of rail procedures, so it’s a slick and business-as-usual service.
Ben KattenhornCEO, Engine Carbon Clean
”Partnering with ECC and Balfour Beatty demonstrates our shared ambition to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across the supply chain.
Tony KearnsMD, K2C Rail Ltd
Key Achievements
- First deployment of hydrogen-based ECC on rail-mounted plant — a pioneer in Scope 1 emissions reduction for rail operations.
- ~15.79% reduction in emissions over a simulated full year of operation.
- Improved fuel efficiency and engine performance, extending asset lifecycle.
- Partnership model with rail specialists (K2C Rail, 1stinrail) ensuring the solution fits rail maintenance cycles and compliance.
Announcements & Industry Coverage
- Rail Technology Magazine: Balfour Beatty trials hydrogen-based engine cleaning to cut rail emissions — balfourbeatty.com
- Rail Industry Connect: Balfour Beatty trials hydrogen-powered engine cleaning technology to cut emissions — railindustryconnect.co.uk
- Rail UK: Balfour Beatty embrace pioneering hydrogen-powered engine cleantech — railuk.com
- Rail Business Daily: Balfour Beatty embrace pioneering hydrogen-powered engine cleantech — news.railbusinessdaily.com
- Rail Forum: Balfour Beatty embrace hydrogen-powered engine cleantech — railforum.uk
- Premier Construction News: Balfour Beatty embrace pioneering hydrogen-powered engine cleantech — premierconstructionnews.com
