Decarbonizing Construction: Hydrogen-Powered Wheel Loader Enters Field Testing
The hydrogen-powered wheel loader is expected to provide valuable insights for the sustainable operation of heavy construction machinery. Green propulsion technologies are a key lever for decarbonizing the company.
A Liebherr hydrogen-powered wheel loader is currently in operation at the Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn. STRABAG has been rigorously testing this machine for two years, using it at least 50 hours per week. Fuel consumption is the main source of STRABAG’s CO₂ emissions: around 40% of the company’s emissions come from diesel use in construction machinery, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars.
“To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we need effective solutions. Converting our construction machinery to renewable energy is a crucial lever. We continue to pursue sustainable development based on science and technology-neutral approaches. The experimental deployment of the hydrogen-powered wheel loader demonstrates what sustainable operation and decarbonization of heavy machinery can look like,” says Stefan Kratochwill, CEO of STRABAG SE.
The coming years will be crucial for the company’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. STRABAG has committed to an international cooperation to drive this transition and to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions those under its direct control by 42% by 2030, focusing on three key levers: its vehicle fleet, construction machinery, and asphalt plants.
On-Site Hydrogen Refueling Station
Converting heavy construction machinery to sustainable propulsion technologies is a significant challenge, and commercially viable solutions are still limited. Hydrogen engines for wheel loaders are a promising approach with considerable potential. Beyond reducing climate impact, this technology helps maintain high added value and technological expertise in Western Europe, strengthens supply chain resilience, and provides strategic benefits.
Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, Technical Director at Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH, adds: “For the field test, an on-site hydrogen refueling station has been built at the quarry to supply the wheel loader. Regional partner Energie Steiermark brings valuable local expertise and will ensure hydrogen supply to the station.”
Internal calculations show that using the hydrogen-powered wheel loader can save 37,500 liters of diesel and approximately 100 tons of CO₂ per year. Running on hydrogen, it produces no climate-damaging emissions. To optimize utilization, the wheel loader will be used not only for essential quarry tasks but also at the site’s asphalt plant.
