Strabag starts two-year trial of Liebherr hydrogen wheeled loader

The hydrogen-powered wheel loader could save around 37,500 litres of diesel and cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 100 tonnes per year. Image: Strabag

Strabag will be testing the new machine over a two-year period, running it at least 50 hours per week.

“To become climate neutral by 2040, we need effective solutions – and converting our construction machinery to renewable technologies is an essential lever,” said Stefan Kratochwill, Strabag CEO.

“The test run of the hydrogen-powered wheel loader is an example of what sustainable operation and the decarbonisation of our large-scale equipment can look like.”

Strabag says that fuel represents its largest source of CO₂ emissions – around 40% of its total Group emissions are attributable to the diesel consumption of its construction machinery, commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

Strabag has committed itself to the global Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By 2030, the company aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions – the greenhouse gases directly within its control – by 42%.

In a press release Strabag said that converting heavy construction machinery to sustainable drive technologies “remains a challenge” and added that, “the hydrogen engine of the wheel loader represents an important approach with great potential.”

For the testing a dedicated hydrogen filling station has been set up at the quarry to allow straightforward refuelling of the wheeled loader.

Operating the hydrogen-powered wheeled loader is expected to save around 37,500 litres of diesel and cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 100 tonnes per year.

“Besides its positive impact on climate protection, this technology helps maintain a high level of value creation and technological expertise in western Europe. It strengthens supply-chain resilience and offers strategic advantages,” said Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, technical managing director, Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH.