Liebherr premieres first large wheel loader with hydrogen engine
Equipment

Liebherr premieres first large wheel loader with hydrogen engine

Liebherr pressing ahead with phasing out fossil fuels and preparing solutions to decarbonise construction sites, gravel plants etc. The Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen celebrated two groundbreaking events: the presentation of the first large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine and the opening of the first hydrogen filling station in the state of Salzburg.

At a trade event at the Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen, the world's first large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine was recently presented to high-ranking representatives from politics and business. The event included a series of talks on the topic of alternative drives. However, the focus was on Liebherr's impressive machine show, where the hydrogen wheel loader was demonstrated for the first time in practical use.

At the same time as this world premi?re, the first hydrogen filling station in the state of Salzburg was inaugurated, representing an important milestone in the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. "To make progress in hydrogen research, we need to have access to hydrogen. We built this filling station to further advance our goals for decarbonising construction machinery," says Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, Chief Technical Officer of Liebherr Bischofshofen.

The L 566 H from Liebherr is the world's first prototype large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine. Following extensive studies, this groundbreaking technology was identified as the optimal solution for operating large vehicles that are difficult to electrify without CO2 emissions.

For smaller vehicles up to about 15 tons, battery-electric solutions are often suitable. However, the situation is different with larger machines with an operating weight of up to 40 tons and high energy requirements. Hydrogen reciprocating piston engines prove to be ideal in this case.

These hydrogen engines are manufactured at the engine plant of Liebherr's Components product segment in Bulle (Switzerland). They enable not only zero emissions of greenhouse gases and almost no nitrogen oxides, but are also highly efficient. Another advantage is that the interfaces are comparable to those of a diesel engine - thermally and mechanically. This represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable large-scale machinery.

Another highlight of the show was a MAN truck, also with a hydrogen engine. This shows that hydrogen technology is not only feasible in wheel loaders, but is already used in construction site trucks.

As part of the development of the hydrogen wheel loader, Liebherr Bischofshofen opened its own hydrogen filling station ? the first of its kind in the entire state of Salzburg. An important strategic partner in this project is Maximator Hydrogen, which is not only the manufacturer of the newly opened filling station, but also a research partner of Liebherr. Together, they are working on mobile filling facilities so that machinery can be refuelled directly at the construction sites. This is particularly important for remote construction sites and machines that are not very mobile.

Another reliable partner is MPREIS, which ensures the supply of green hydrogen. This is important because only through emission-free production ? using wind, hydroelectric or solar energy ? can hydrogen play a key role as a sustainable and climate-friendly energy source.

Liebherr pressing ahead with phasing out fossil fuels and preparing solutions to decarbonise construction sites, gravel plants etc. The Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen celebrated two groundbreaking events: the presentation of the first large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine and the opening of the first hydrogen filling station in the state of Salzburg. At a trade event at the Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen, the world's first large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine was recently presented to high-ranking representatives from politics and business. The event included a series of talks on the topic of alternative drives. However, the focus was on Liebherr's impressive machine show, where the hydrogen wheel loader was demonstrated for the first time in practical use. At the same time as this world premi?re, the first hydrogen filling station in the state of Salzburg was inaugurated, representing an important milestone in the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. To make progress in hydrogen research, we need to have access to hydrogen. We built this filling station to further advance our goals for decarbonising construction machinery, says Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, Chief Technical Officer of Liebherr Bischofshofen. The L 566 H from Liebherr is the world's first prototype large wheel loader with a hydrogen engine. Following extensive studies, this groundbreaking technology was identified as the optimal solution for operating large vehicles that are difficult to electrify without CO2 emissions. For smaller vehicles up to about 15 tons, battery-electric solutions are often suitable. However, the situation is different with larger machines with an operating weight of up to 40 tons and high energy requirements. Hydrogen reciprocating piston engines prove to be ideal in this case. These hydrogen engines are manufactured at the engine plant of Liebherr's Components product segment in Bulle (Switzerland). They enable not only zero emissions of greenhouse gases and almost no nitrogen oxides, but are also highly efficient. Another advantage is that the interfaces are comparable to those of a diesel engine - thermally and mechanically. This represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable large-scale machinery. Another highlight of the show was a MAN truck, also with a hydrogen engine. This shows that hydrogen technology is not only feasible in wheel loaders, but is already used in construction site trucks. As part of the development of the hydrogen wheel loader, Liebherr Bischofshofen opened its own hydrogen filling station ? the first of its kind in the entire state of Salzburg. An important strategic partner in this project is Maximator Hydrogen, which is not only the manufacturer of the newly opened filling station, but also a research partner of Liebherr. Together, they are working on mobile filling facilities so that machinery can be refuelled directly at the construction sites. This is particularly important for remote construction sites and machines that are not very mobile. Another reliable partner is MPREIS, which ensures the supply of green hydrogen. This is important because only through emission-free production ? using wind, hydroelectric or solar energy ? can hydrogen play a key role as a sustainable and climate-friendly energy source.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?