In a major advancement for sustainable construction, STRABAG SE, in partnership with Liebherr‑International AG and local energy provider Energie Steiermark, has launched practical trials of a hydrogen-powered wheel loader at the Gratkorn quarry (Austria). The machine uses green hydrogen fuel and emits no CO₂ during operation, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing heavy construction equipment.
Key Highlights
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The loader has begun intensive, around-the-clock testing (at least 50 hours/week) over a two-year period at the quarry.
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Its hydrogen engine is expected to save approximately 37,500 litres of diesel and 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
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A dedicated green-hydrogen refuelling station has been set up onsite by Energie Steiermark to ensure the supply chain is local and sustainable.
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STRABAG states fuel-driven heavy-machinery emissions make up around 40 % of the company’s total CO₂ footprint, making the new loader a strategic component of its net-zero plan by 2040.
Why This Matters
Decarbonizing construction equipment is one of the toughest challenges in the infrastructure sector. Large machines require immense power and long operating cycles, making battery-only solutions impractical in many cases. Hydrogen fuel allows near-zero emissions while retaining high productivity—an appealing model for heavy-duty machinery.
The successful deployment of this pilot could catalyze:
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wider adoption of alternative-fuel equipment in infrastructure projects
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the establishment of onsite hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
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a shift in equipment procurement toward emissions-rated green machines
