Liebherr, in collaboration with Strabag, has initiated a project to decarbonize construction sites. At the Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn, Strabag is testing Liebherr’s L 566 H, the world’s first large hydrogen-powered wheel loader, over a two-year period. Energie Steiermark will provide green hydrogen via a dedicated filling station at the quarry.
A special event marking the project launch was attended by Leonore Gewessler (Minister for Climate Action), Clemens Haselsteiner (CEO of Strabag), Martin Graf (Director of Energie Steiermark), and Jan Liebherr (Chairman of Liebherr-International AG). The event featured technical presentations, a tour, and a live demonstration of the hydrogen-powered loader.
The L 566 H wheel loader is expected to save up to 100 tonnes of CO2 annually, replacing approximately 37,500 litres of diesel. Strabag, aiming to be climate neutral by 2040, is the first test customer. Liebherr’s hydrogen engine technology, developed in Switzerland, offers a zero-emission solution for heavy-duty vehicles that are challenging to electrify.
This pilot project exemplifies how alternative fuels like green hydrogen can play a crucial role in decarbonizing industries and achieving climate goals, as highlighted by Climate Minister Gewessler.
