Austrian construction giant Strabag has embarked on an innovative journey to decarbonise its operations, focusing on hydrogen fuel.
- Strabag is testing a hydrogen-powered Liebherr L 566 H loader in Gratkorn’s Kanzelstein quarry.
- The loader aims to replace 37,500 litres of diesel annually, potentially cutting down up to 100 tonnes of CO2.
- Energie Steiermark supports this green initiative by providing hydrogen and building a dedicated filling station.
- Liebherr’s technology allows large vehicles to operate without carbon emissions, marking a significant step in construction machinery.
Strabag, a prominent Austrian construction contractor, is pioneering a two-year trial of a Liebherr L 566 H wheel loader powered by hydrogen in the Kanzelstein quarry located in Gratkorn, Austria. This trial forms part of the company’s broader strategy to decarbonise its construction operations, with a goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, as articulated by Strabag’s chief executive, Klemens Haselsteiner.
The trial is noteworthy for deploying the world’s first large wheeled loader equipped with a hydrogen engine. The machine is expected to dramatically reduce carbon footprints by saving approximately 37,500 litres of diesel per year, which translates to a reduction of up to 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This initiative underscores Strabag’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Energie Steiermark plays a crucial role in facilitating this trial by supplying ‘green’ hydrogen and setting up a dedicated hydrogen filling station at the quarry site. Such infrastructure is essential to ensure the seamless operation of hydrogen-fuelled machinery and highlights the collaborative efforts necessary for such pioneering projects.
Liebherr, known for its engineering excellence, has developed this innovative technology at their engine plant in Bulle, Switzerland. The technical director of Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen, Herbert Pfab, emphasised the loader’s capability to operate large vehicles, which traditionally require high energy, without emitting CO2. This advancement signifies a substantial leap forward in the quest to electrify heavy machinery, which is often energy-intensive and difficult to convert.
The prototype, with its significant operating weight of 24 to 27 tonnes and its hydrogen-driven engine, epitomises the future of sustainable construction equipment. By integrating such pioneering technology, Strabag not only aims to reduce its environmental impact but also sets a precedent for the construction industry at large.
Strabag’s hydrogen loader trial embodies a significant leap towards sustainable construction, paving the way for a carbon-neutral future.
