Hydrogen Engine Breakthrough: Cummins Leads UK Project Brunel for Zero-Carbon Transport
Cummins Inc and its key technology collaborators have marked the successful completion of a joint initiative aimed at advancing hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) technology for commercial vehicles.
Leading a consortium that included Johnson Matthey, PHINIA, and Zircotec, Cummins spearheaded Project Brunel to deliver a 6.7-litre hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine suitable for medium-duty trucks and buses. The project received co-funding from the UK Government and was coordinated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).
Project Brunel focused on adapting Cummins’ existing spark-ignited engine architecture to run on hydrogen. The collaborative effort saw PHINIA provide innovative hydrogen fuel injection systems, Johnson Matthey contribute advanced catalyst technology and materials chemistry, and Zircotec offer specialized coatings to handle hydrogen exposure. The result was a significant step forward in both performance and reliability for hydrogen engines.
Running on zero-carbon hydrogen and featuring an after-treatment system, the new engine achieves over a 99% drop in tailpipe carbon emissions, along with ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels—well below the Euro VI diesel standard. Hydrogen ICE technology is increasingly recognized as a practical solution for decarbonizing applications that require longer ranges or higher power outputs.
Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director of Product Strategy at Cummins, remarked:
“Project Brunel demonstrates the strength of industry collaboration and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions. This engine offers a familiar, reliable solution for commercial vehicles using zero-carbon fuel, all without the need for a complete redesign. It’s a significant milestone for our Darlington team and for the UK’s leadership in hydrogen technology. We urge policymakers to consider hydrogen ICE as part of the path beyond 2035 and 2040, in line with global regulatory trends.”
At an event held at Cummins' Darlington facility, the project partners presented their findings and explored how H2-ICE technology aligns with the goals of reducing emissions while maintaining operational performance in commercial transport.
Matt Shillito, Senior Project Delivery Lead at the APC, stated:
“Project Brunel highlights the UK’s strong foundation in engine manufacturing and shows how this sector can transition towards low-carbon technologies. With backing from the Department for Business and Trade, this project opens the door to building a robust domestic hydrogen ICE production capability with strong export potential. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the consortium and look forward to seeing their future success.”
Tauseef Salma, Chief Technology Officer for Clean Air at Johnson Matthey, added:
“Hydrogen ICE offers an immediate, near-zero carbon solution for medium and heavy-duty transport. Johnson Matthey has long been at the forefront of emissions control, and we’re proud to contribute our expertise to Project Brunel in support of the broader push towards decarbonisation.”
Dr. Simon Godwin, Vice President of Government Affairs at PHINIA, commented:
“Project Brunel accelerated our development of hydrogen injectors and fostered collaboration with leading industry partners. This initiative strengthens the UK’s position in hydrogen combustion engine development and supports the broader adoption of decarbonisation technologies.”
Although the 6.7-litre engine was developed for medium-duty use, the design is adaptable for heavier-duty applications, including construction and agricultural machinery. Cummins is also progressing on a 15-litre hydrogen engine for such use cases.
The company recently invested over £13 million into a Powertrain Test Facility at its Darlington campus, enabling testing across a range of advanced powertrains—including hydrogen, natural gas, diesel, and battery electric systems—across various sectors.
Leading a consortium that included Johnson Matthey, PHINIA, and Zircotec, Cummins spearheaded Project Brunel to deliver a 6.7-litre hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine suitable for medium-duty trucks and buses. The project received co-funding from the UK Government and was coordinated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).
Project Brunel focused on adapting Cummins’ existing spark-ignited engine architecture to run on hydrogen. The collaborative effort saw PHINIA provide innovative hydrogen fuel injection systems, Johnson Matthey contribute advanced catalyst technology and materials chemistry, and Zircotec offer specialized coatings to handle hydrogen exposure. The result was a significant step forward in both performance and reliability for hydrogen engines.
Running on zero-carbon hydrogen and featuring an after-treatment system, the new engine achieves over a 99% drop in tailpipe carbon emissions, along with ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels—well below the Euro VI diesel standard. Hydrogen ICE technology is increasingly recognized as a practical solution for decarbonizing applications that require longer ranges or higher power outputs.
Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director of Product Strategy at Cummins, remarked:
“Project Brunel demonstrates the strength of industry collaboration and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions. This engine offers a familiar, reliable solution for commercial vehicles using zero-carbon fuel, all without the need for a complete redesign. It’s a significant milestone for our Darlington team and for the UK’s leadership in hydrogen technology. We urge policymakers to consider hydrogen ICE as part of the path beyond 2035 and 2040, in line with global regulatory trends.”
At an event held at Cummins' Darlington facility, the project partners presented their findings and explored how H2-ICE technology aligns with the goals of reducing emissions while maintaining operational performance in commercial transport.
Matt Shillito, Senior Project Delivery Lead at the APC, stated:
“Project Brunel highlights the UK’s strong foundation in engine manufacturing and shows how this sector can transition towards low-carbon technologies. With backing from the Department for Business and Trade, this project opens the door to building a robust domestic hydrogen ICE production capability with strong export potential. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the consortium and look forward to seeing their future success.”
Tauseef Salma, Chief Technology Officer for Clean Air at Johnson Matthey, added:
“Hydrogen ICE offers an immediate, near-zero carbon solution for medium and heavy-duty transport. Johnson Matthey has long been at the forefront of emissions control, and we’re proud to contribute our expertise to Project Brunel in support of the broader push towards decarbonisation.”
Dr. Simon Godwin, Vice President of Government Affairs at PHINIA, commented:
“Project Brunel accelerated our development of hydrogen injectors and fostered collaboration with leading industry partners. This initiative strengthens the UK’s position in hydrogen combustion engine development and supports the broader adoption of decarbonisation technologies.”
Although the 6.7-litre engine was developed for medium-duty use, the design is adaptable for heavier-duty applications, including construction and agricultural machinery. Cummins is also progressing on a 15-litre hydrogen engine for such use cases.
The company recently invested over £13 million into a Powertrain Test Facility at its Darlington campus, enabling testing across a range of advanced powertrains—including hydrogen, natural gas, diesel, and battery electric systems—across various sectors.
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