The trial involved a medium-sized excavator fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell system, which the company said performed comparably to diesel engine-powered models.
Tests focused on using the excavator relocate soil as well as the hydrogen refuelling procedure on site.
Japanese energy major Iwatani supplied hydrogen and technical support for the tests conducted at the construction site of the Joshin-Etsu Expressway near Nagano, Japan.
In a statement, Komatsu said that introducing hydrogen-powered construction equipment represents an effective approach to reducing emissions.
It also acknowledged that the tests had “reaffirmed several challenges to commercialisation”, including the need for greater onboard hydrogen supply and faster refuelling.
This comes shortly after Komatsu announced a collaboration with UK-based AFC Energy aimed at studying the integration of an ammonia-fuelled engine platform into its equipment.
In March 2025, it also tested what it called the “world’s first” hydrogen-powered dump truck in alliance with German clean mobility company Keyou.
The Japanese firm aims to cut CO2 emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve full climate neutrality by 2050.
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