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The Liebherr L 566 H wheel loader, which is powered by a hydrogen engine, dumps a load as part of a test of the prototype. (Image: Liebherr)

Recently, Liebherr released its L 566 H, a prototype hydrogen-engine wheeled loader that the company said is the ‘world’s first’ of its kind.

Strabag said use of the prototype also amounts to a project first.

“For the first time, green hydrogen will replace conventional diesel to power a large wheel loader in practical operation,” said Strabag, noting the solution has the potential to save up to 37,500 litres of diesel or around 100 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The prototype will work Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn, Styria, Austria.

A trial period will run “several years” with Strabag hoping the hydrogen (H₂) engine solution can enable zero-emission certification for the machinery and zero-emission limits on nitrogen oxides. The company said it plans to be “climate neutral” by 2040.

Energie Steiermark supplying Strabag/Liebherr H2 project

Energie Steiermark, one of Austria’s largest energy service providers, is partnering with Strabag to set up hydrogen supply and refuelling infrastructure at the quarry.

With nationwide storage and refilling infrastructure for hydrogen-powered machines in its infancy, the installation of H₂ storing and filling units on site provides the project a reliable supply of green hydrogen.

Marco Xaver Bornschlegl, head of the innovation and digitalisation for Strabag’s central division, said, “Fuels are the biggest source of carbon emissions in our company. And construction machinery accounts for a large part of our consumption. New, low-emission fuel solutions are therefore a key lever for effectively reducing emissions.”

Hydrogen adoption has geopolitical implications

The Strabag/Liebherr project caught the attention of more than just the construction and machine industry, as Leonore Gewessler, Austria Federal Minister for Climate Action and Environment, was present for the inauguration.

In addition to the project’s potential for reducing CO₂ emissions, Gewessler said promoting alternative fuel sources will also lessen dependence on natural gas, of which Russia is a primary global exporter.

“It enables parts of industry to switch to climate-friendly production, which secures and creates jobs,” said Gewessler, then adding these benefits were vital “to replace fossil natural gas from Russia and beyond.”