World’s first all-electric deconstruction site

Volvo CE and Volvo Trucks power the world's first zero-emission deconstruction project at Siemens Technology Campus, Germany, demonstrating sustainable urban transformation with electric machines and mobile charging.  www.volvoce.com In a bold demonstration of sustainable power, Volvo CE deployed five electric machines - including compact, mid-size and grid-connected models - to deliver high-performance demolition for Siemens’ €500 million Technology Campus development. The machines handled everything from selective gutting to concrete crushing and materials transport, supported throughout by electric trucks from Volvo Trucks. The project marks the first full-scale electric deconstruction of its kind, proving that emission-free deconstruction is achievable today with the right technology, partners, and ambition. The electric fleet included: Volvo ECR18 Electric compact excavator with hydraulic breaker, operating inside the buildings performing precise break-up and demolition of concrete and masonry Volvo L20 Electric wheel loader transporting the extracted materials from inside the buildings for processing Volvo EW240 MH Electric grid-connected material handler for exterior deconstruction and handling Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavator for deconstruction, concrete cutting and crusher feeding Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader for transporting materials to and from the electric crusher Together with demolition specialists, Metzner Recycling, the machines deconstructed three buildings across nearly 25,000 cubic meters. Indoors, the compact excavator and wheel loader operated safely and quietly – supported by a Husqvarna DXR145/DXR305 demolition robot – eliminating emissions and the need for air filtration systems and speeding up demolition tasks. Externally, powerful electric machines dismantled, crushed and loaded materials directly into a Kleemann electric crusher and screening plant, with a Volvo FM Electric hook lift and a Volvo FH Electric semi tractor from Volvo Trucks transporting materials off-site. The fleet sorted and processed approximately 12,800 tons of construction waste. An impressive 96% was recycled into raw materials for future use – supporting the shift towards circular materials management and cutting down transport-related costs and emissions. Power for the job site was provided by a custom on-site transformer, which provided a direct connection to the grid and access to certified renewable electricity. This allowed multiple machines to be fast charged simultaneously, while ensuring a continuous energy supply for the grid-connected equipment. grid-connected material handler for exterior deconstruction and handling. Operating on an active campus – with nearby offices still in use – the low-noise performance of the electric machines proved a major advantage, minimizing disruption while maintaining productivity. Pioneering zero-emission deconstruction with Volvo CE’s electric machines The new state-of-the-art, 200,000 square-meter Siemens Technology Campus is designed to be zero-emission, adhering to the highest sustainability standards. However, an emission-free deconstruction was not part of the original scope. Instead, it came about through close collaboration between Volvo CE and Metzner and was enthusiastically received by Siemens. Any initial operator concerns faded quickly once they experienced the electric machines for themselves. Feedback highlighted their impressive power, responsive handling and quiet, emission-free performance. The plug in charging process – which replaces conventional on-site refueling – also proved convenient and efficient. “The fact that we have now taken the first major step towards an all-electric, low emission dismantling site as a technical standard is a huge success for us – the Metzner team – and our clients. I get goosebumps when I think about what these machines make possible. Electric equipment could unlock urban projects currently held back by noise and pollution concerns. In fact, we’ve already introduced electric wheel loaders at some of our other sites,” said Michael Metzner, Owner of Metzner Recycling. www.volvoce.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing