Three giant fully electric crawler cranes have begun work on the construction of High Speed 2 (HS2).
The emissions-free Liebherr cranes are supplied by UK company Select Plant Hire and are being used at the Old Oak Common site in West London and at the Canterbury Road vent shaft.
There are only five 100% emissions-free giant Liebherr cranes in the world at present.
HS2 Ltd recently announced that the project aims to be net zero carbon from 2035, with the target of achieving diesel-free construction sites by 2029.
The decision to switch to electric crawlers follows a trial at HS2’s Curzon Street Station site in Birmingham last year.
HS2 Ltd air quality lead Andrea Davidson said: “As a result of HS2’s strict emissions requirements and our move towards diesel free construction sites by 2029, our contractors and supply chain are constantly pushing the boundaries to find ways to cut carbon emissions.
“We’re delighted that we’re leading the industry by introducing the UK’s first large fully electric crawler cranes, making our HS2 sites cleaner and greener.”
Expanded, a Laing O’Rourke specialist business working for Balfour Beatty, Vinci, Systra joint venture (BBVS), has taken two of the UK’s first giant battery-powered electric crawler cranes onto HS2’s Old Oak Common Station site in West London.
The third crane – a 160 tonne Liebherr LR1160E, has arrived at HS2’s Canterbury Road vent shaft site managed by Skanska, Costain, Strabag joint venture (SCS JV).
Mohamed El Shazly, Expanded environmental manager, said: “As we work to deliver HS2’s Old Oak Common Station, we are continually seeking new ways to minimise our environmental impact and drive down our carbon emissions.
“With only five of these fully electric cranes in the world, we are pleased that two are now operational on our site; testament to the commitment we have made alongside HS2 and our partners to support the UK’s transition to Net Zero.”
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