Energie Steiermark to supply hydrogen for Strabag, Liebherr project

Austrian energy company Energie Steiermark will supply green hydrogen for a pilot project launched by building firm Strabag SE (VIE:STR) and construction equipment maker Liebherr to use a hydrogen-powered wheel loader at the Gratkorn quarry in southeastern Austria.

The switch to hydrogen has the potential to save up to 37,500 litres of diesel, or about 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide, annually, Strabag said on Monday.

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The wheel loader is equipped with a hydrogen engine manufactured at Liebherr’s production facility in Bulle, Switzerland. Strabag and Liebherr will be testing the machine in daily operation over a trial period of several years.

The pilot project is in line with Strabag’s goal to become climate neutral by 2040. As part of its efforts, the construction company has already replaced several diesel-powered mobile machines with electric conveyor belts at the Saalfelden quarry in Austria. Additionally, the firm plans to use self-driving battery-operated electric tippers at the Eigenrieden quarry in Germany.

According to data cited by Strabag, the construction sector is responsible for 38% of emissions worldwide.