German-Swiss equipment manufacturer Liebherr has introduced the world’s first hydrogen-powered wheel loader, the L566 H. This innovative machine, designed to run on a hydrogen combustion engine, has the potential to save 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, marking a significant stride in eco-friendly heavy machinery. The L566 H is currently being tested in a two-year pilot project at the Gratkorn quarry in Austria in collaboration with construction company Strabag.
The construction industry, known for its heavy reliance on diesel-powered machinery, has long been a high contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As countries aim to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, hydrogen technology presents a promising alternative for reducing environmental impact in sectors where electrification faces challenges. While small- to medium-sized vehicles are gradually transitioning to battery power, larger machinery such as loaders and excavators have unique energy demands that make batteries impractical.
“The technology also enables large vehicles that are difficult to electrify due to their high energy demand to operate without CO₂,” said Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, Technical Director of Liebherr.
Hydrogen has emerged as a viable fuel alternative due to its high energy density and zero greenhouse gas emissions when burned correctly. Liebherr’s approach with the L566 H differs from typical fuel-cell-powered vehicles. Instead, the company has designed a modified combustion engine to burn hydrogen directly. Developed at Liebherr’s engine plant in Bulle, Switzerland, this innovative combustion engine generates no CO₂ or nitrogen oxide emissions, setting a new standard in sustainable machinery.
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The hydrogen combustion engine for the L566 H operates similarly to a traditional diesel engine but is optimized to burn hydrogen, making it highly efficient and compatible with existing heavy-duty vehicle frameworks. This design also provides a simpler transition for companies currently using diesel machinery, as it avoids the need for major structural adjustments.
The pilot project at the Gratkorn quarry aims to validate the efficiency and environmental benefits of the hydrogen-powered L566 H loader. According to Liebherr, this machine can save an estimated 9,900 gallons (37,500 liters) of diesel each year, contributing significantly to reducing fossil fuel dependency. However, the success of this initiative hinges on a consistent supply of green hydrogen—hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. In this project, green hydrogen is supplied by Energie Steiermark, an Austrian energy provider.
Yet, the availability of green hydrogen remains limited due to high production costs and infrastructure challenges. Currently, much of the commercially available hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, referred to as “brown hydrogen,” which undermines the goal of zero emissions.
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Despite these hurdles, Liebherr’s L566 H pilot project signifies an important first step toward the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology in the construction industry. Klemens Haselsteiner, CEO of Strabag, emphasized the need for a gradual transition to climate-neutral practices, stating, “The only way to achieve this is by consistently and comprehensively reducing CO₂ emissions, particularly in construction machinery.”
As global demand for hydrogen is projected to reach 130 million tons by 2030, with a shift from brown to green hydrogen, Liebherr’s initiative aligns with a larger trend toward decarbonization. The company’s collaboration with Strabag demonstrates the construction industry’s openness to sustainable innovations, and both companies are committed to climate neutrality by 2040.
In tandem with the launch of the L566 H, Liebherr recently inaugurated Salzburg’s first hydrogen filling station, a crucial step in establishing an infrastructure that supports hydrogen-powered machinery. Developed in partnership with Maximator Hydrogen, this station also acts as a research facility for future mobile refueling solutions. For remote construction sites or non-mobile heavy equipment, mobile hydrogen refueling facilities could become essential, allowing machinery to be fueled directly at the worksite.
This pilot project reflects an increasing industry focus on hydrogen as a sustainable energy source for construction. By partnering with MPREIS, a green hydrogen supplier, Liebherr ensures the L566 H operates with minimal environmental impact.
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Liebherr’s pioneering use of hydrogen-powered engines in heavy machinery, demonstrated by the L566 H wheel loader, represents a shift in sustainable construction technology. The loader, designed specifically for large-scale energy requirements, is not alone in Liebherr’s exploration of hydrogen engines. Alongside the L566 H, the company showcased a hydrogen-powered MAN truck, illustrating hydrogen’s potential across various types of construction machinery.
Hydrogen engines offer unique advantages for machines like the L566 H, which operates at weights of up to 40 tons and requires substantial power. While battery-electric solutions work well for smaller vehicles, hydrogen combustion engines are more suited to high-energy applications without producing greenhouse gases or nitrogen oxides.