NRMM refers to a broad category of vehicles and equipment fitted with a combustion engine that is not intended for transporting passengers or goods on public roads. This includes machinery used in construction (excavators, loaders), agriculture (tractors, harvesters), and the marine sector (inland vessels).

NRMM presents unique challenges due to its diverse nature, high power and energy demands, long operational hours, and often remote or temporary work locations. A ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution doesn’t exist, and pathways like electrification, hydrogen, or biofuels must be carefully matched to the application.

The leading alternatives to diesel are electrification (battery power), hydrogen (in fuel cells or combustion engines), and low-carbon liquid fuels like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or other biofuels. The best choice depends on the specific machine’s power requirements, duty cycle, and the available infrastructure.

The primary regulation is the EU Stage V emission standard, which sets strict limits on pollutants from new engines placed on the market. Furthermore, national policies, such as the removal of tax rebates on red diesel and green public procurement criteria, are creating strong financial incentives to switch to cleaner alternatives.

A thorough techno-economic assessment is the first step. This involves analysing your machinery’s current energy use, operational patterns, and site constraints to model the feasibility and total cost of ownership of different technologies. Cenex specialises in conducting these detailed feasibility studies.

This depends on the technology. Electrification requires robust on-site charging solutions, which can be challenging on temporary sites like construction projects. Hydrogen requires on-site storage and refuelling equipment. Cenex helps design and plan for this critical infrastructure.