IN partnership with STRABAG, Liebherr is making progress toward a decarbonised construction environment. A recently launched project at the Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn sees STRABAG trialling Liebherr’s L 566 H hydrogen-powered wheel loader for two years. Energie Steiermark will provide the green hydrogen required, using an on-site hydrogen filling station. The L 566 H wheel loader is the world’s first large machine of its kind to run on hydrogen.

Gratkorn (Styria), October 2024 – The project’s launch was attended by notable figures, including Leonore Gewessler, minister for climate action, Clemens Haselsteiner, CEO of STRABAG, and Martin Graf, director of Energie Steiermark. The event featured technical briefings, a tour of the quarry, and a live demonstration of the hydrogen-powered wheel loader in action. Gewessler commended Liebherr’s leadership in reducing emissions and its collaboration with STRABAG in piloting hydrogen technology.

The collaboration with STRABAG underscores the positive impact of Liebherr’s drive technology. Liebherr welcomed the recognition and support for its chosen path.

STRABAG as the first test partner Liebherr has entrusted STRABAG with the L 566 H prototype as the test vehicle.

This hydrogen-powered wheel loader is expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 100t annually, equivalent to about 37,500l of diesel.

STRABAG CEO Clemens Haselsteiner said: “We want to be climate neutral by 2040. The only way to achieve this is by consistently and comprehensively saving CO2, for example, in the operation of construction machinery.”

The L 566 H is the first-ever prototype of a large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine. Dr-Ing Herbert Pfab, technical director of Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH, added: “The technology also enables large vehicles that are difficult to electrify due to their high energy demand to be operated without CO2.”

The Liebherr large wheel loader with hydrogen engine will be trialled over several years at the quarry (image: Martin Anger, STRABAG)The Liebherr large wheel loader with hydrogen engine will be trialled over several years at the quarry (image: Martin Anger, STRABAG) Manufactured at Liebherr’s engine plant in Bulle, Switzerland, these hydrogen engines enable operations with zero greenhouse gas emissions and minimal nitrogen oxide, while maintaining high efficiency. This pilot initiative from Liebherr and STRABAG showcases how alternative fuels can help reduce emissions in sectors where decarbonisation is challenging.

Green hydrogen, generated from renewable sources such as wind, water, or solar power, plays a critical role in Austria’s push for climate neutrality. Minister Gewessler added: “Green hydrogen is indispensable for our future energy. It helps replace fossil natural gas – especially in industry.”

The two-year trial at the Gratkorn quarry serves as a model project, showcasing the joint efforts of Liebherr and STRABAG.