STRABAG, in collaboration with Liebherr and Energie Steiermark, has initiated a pilot project employing a hydrogen-powered wheel loader at the Gratkorn quarry in Austria.
This move aims to replace conventional diesel fuel with green hydrogen, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 tonnes per year.
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The project was inaugurated by Austria’s Climate Action and Environment Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler.
The construction sector accounts for 38% of global emissions, and STRABAG aims to address this issue by actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its entire value chain.
STRABAG CEO Klemens Haselsteiner said: “We want to become climate neutral by 2040. And we will only achieve this goal with a resolute commitment to lower carbon emissions across the board – in the operation of our construction machinery, for example.
“We are delighted to have Liebherr and Energie Steiermark at our side, two partners whose expertise is helping us to develop and test innovative powertrain solutions. Together, we are exploring the future potential of hydrogen powertrains here in Styria.”
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By GlobalDataLiebherr has provided the hydrogen engine technology. It recently unveiled a wheel loader powered by hydrogen.
These engines, produced at Liebherr-Component Technologies in Bulle, Switzerland, are expected to achieve zero-emission certification.
The wheel loader will undergo testing in daily operations at the Kanzelsteinsteinbruch quarry over several years.
STRABAG has prepared for the trial by establishing the necessary infrastructure at the site.
Energie Steiermark brings its hydrogen expertise to the partnership, assisting in setting up the hydrogen supply for the refuelling infrastructure.
Energie Steiermark board member Martin Graf said: “Realising this pioneering project together with STRABAG and Liebherr not only strengthens our position as a local sustainability partner, but also helps to put Styria on the map in this respect.”
STRABAG is also in the process of obtaining approval for a planned hydrogen filling station.
This comes after STRABAG’s Slovenian subsidiary won contracts for three projects in Slovenia, last July.
