Sustainable power supply in construction – Liebherr energy storage systems for Austrian civil protection

Ellmau in the Grossarl valley in Salzburg's Pongau region is one of the most beautiful areas in Austria. This hiking and holiday paradise is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering idyllic lakes, crystal-clear mountain streams and unique landscapes. However, nature also harbours unpredictable dangers. Landslides, debris flows, mudslides, avalanches and floods can occur at any moment. Therefore, measures must be taken in good time to protect the population in the surrounding valley and prevent damage. One such measure is the construction of a consolidation barrier in the Sillegggraben riverbed on Ellmauer Alm, which is intended to protect against falling debris from the mountain. A Liebherr 34 K fast-erecting crane is being used on the construction site to build the protective structure. Nikolaus Wieser, the site manager from the Austrian Torrent and Avalanche Control Centre, ensures that both planning and day-to-day operations run smoothly.

The challenge of supplying energy to the construction site

One of the biggest challenges when planning a construction site in such a remote area is ensuring an adequate energy supply. Often, the local grid supply is insufficient to cover large power peaks, such as those required for crane lifts, or it is not even available. In this case, the fast-erecting crane is the largest energy consumer on site. Typically, a diesel generator would be used for this purpose. However, the Torrent Control Centre has opted for a different solution ‒ the LPO 100 mobile energy storage unit by Liebherr.

Energy storage as a sustainable and efficient alternative to a diesel generator

With a capacity of 94 kWh, the energy storage system buffers the fixed power connection on site. In addition to powering the crane, it supplies other equipment, such as container units, battery-powered devices, circular saws and a water pump. During the day, the storage system is used to cover the crane's energy peaks of up to 100 kVA. Only the energy needed is consumed. The storage system can be charged during operation or at night. The Liebherr energy storage system has been permanently installed next to a container for over four months. Nikolaus Wieser is satisfied with the new solution: "We could have used a diesel generator to power the construction site as we always have before. However, we also strive to reduce emissions, so we are delighted to be using this innovative Liebherr solution."Compared to a diesel generator, Wieser believes the main benefit of the energy storage system is that it can be used all day without needing to be refuelled. This requires less logistical effort and time. Additionally, around 2,000 litres of diesel can be saved each month. At a price of 1.40 euros per litre, this equates to 2,800 euros per month, or 11,200 euros over four months. Furthermore, using the energy storage system saves around 20.3 tonnes of CO₂ over four months. This is equivalent to the average annual CO₂ footprint of two people living in Germany.

Positive feedback on the Liebherr solution

"The installation went well, and the storage system has been up and running ever since — that's how it should be," says Wieser, sounding positive. He views the Liebherr energy storage system as an innovative, sustainable solution and can see it being used in inner-city areas where noise emissions are regulated.