As a technology partner, Liebherr is supporting the pioneering Hyperlink project, a network for hydrogen in northern Germany. Around 70 per cent of the existing natural gas pipelines will be rededicated to hydrogen, while the rest will be newly constructed. The battery-electric L 507 E wheel loader and an electric A 916 E wheeled excavator from Liebherr are carrying out loading and unloading operations as well as digging, lifting and laying work. The powerful LPO 100 energy storage system from Liebherr reliably supplies the machines on the construction site with electricity. The pilot project, which lasted several weeks, shows that technically demanding construction sites in pipeline construction can be delivered today with low-emission machines and technology.
Zero-emission energy supply using hydrogen and battery systems
At the centre of this showcase project is a fully electric energy concept: the machines and tools on site are powered by the Liebherr LPO 100 energy storage system and a mobile hydrogen generator from 'e-power', which is refueled with H₂ bundles from Air Liquide. The electrically powered machines and tools are supplied with a stable, off-grid power supply on the construction site. This setup eliminates all local emissions. The sustainable and energy self-sufficient concept is rounded off by solar energy. A photovoltaic system from the German solar system manufacturer SunPlate, which is installed on the roof, covers the energy requirements of the construction containers. The surplus energy generated there is stored in the Liebherr battery storage system and supplied to the construction machinery as required.
The combination of H₂ generator, energy storage and electric construction machinery enables a 100% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to a conventional, diesel-powered site. Noise pollution is also significantly reduced. The FRIEDRICH VORWERK construction site demonstrates that highly flexible operation is possible with Liebherr’s LPO 100, even in remote locations without a strong grid connection. The battery storage system ensures peak load management and continuous energy supply, which is critical for synchronisation and productivity.
Integrated energy and equipment concept
The L 507 E battery-electric wheel loader and the A 916 E electric wheeled excavator are deployed for core construction tasks. As Liebherr’s first electric wheel loader, the L 507 E combines the proven benefits of a conventional stereo loader with a battery-powered drive system developed in-house. It matches the performance of diesel-powered models in its class, while delivering zero local CO₂ emissions and significantly lower noise levels. Equipped with a high-voltage battery system designed specifically for wheel loader applications, the L 507 E offers powerful output and efficient charging. Depending on operating conditions, it can run for up to eight hours. Liebherr’s modular battery concept allows for a second lithium-ion battery to be installed at the factory, extending runtime. Full charging takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the onboard charging system and available power supply.
In terms of power, load capacity and performance, the A 916 E battery-electric wheeled excavator matches the capabilities of a conventional diesel-powered Liebherr model. A proven all-rounder, it is ideal for versatile earthmoving tasks in road construction and confined urban environments. The A 916 E is equipped with a 260 kWh battery system, split into four modules: a 130 kWh unit on the left-hand side of the superstructure and three interconnected batteries totalling 130 kWh on the right-hand side of the uppercarriage. Depending on application and location, the machine can operate for up to nine hours. In addition to the two electric Liebherr machines, the entire vehicle fleet − including vans and passenger cars − is fully electric, reinforcing the site’s commitment to zero-emission operation.
Hyperlink - future-ready hydrogen transport infrastructure
Through the Hyperlink project, pipeline network operator Gasunie is developing a 1,000-kilometre hydrogen network that will establish a high-capacity link between the Netherlands, Denmark, and north-west Germany. The network connects green hydrogen production and import sources − such as offshore wind energy − with industrial consumption centres, including steel and chemical plants, as well as underground storage facilities. Spanning Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and the Ruhr region, the network is being delivered in multiple sub-projects. Hyperlink plays a vital role in decarbonising energy-intensive industries and ensuring a secure supply of climate-neutral hydrogen.
Partnership and pilot character
The construction project in Buchholz is recognised as a pioneering pilot initiative, marking the first collaboration between leading companies from the construction, mechanical engineering and energy sectors to realise a locally emission-free construction site. Together, they are making a tangible contribution to climate protection and advancing future-oriented construction strategies. Britta van Boven, Managing Director of Gasunie Deutschland, explains: "Our first low-emission construction site is located in Buchholz in der Nordheide. As a strategic gas network operator, we are demonstrating that sustainability is important to us. Low-emission on the way to an emission-free hydrogen infrastructure - for me, this is a logical step." This commitment has also met with a great response from the project partners. "As a technology partner, we’re contributing our electric machines and energy storage solutions to help set new standards for sustainable site concepts alongside strong partners. At the same time, we’re gaining valuable insights to further develop our products," explains Thomas Koll of Liebherr-Baumaschinen Vertriebs- und Service GmbH. Torben Kleinfeldt, CEO of FRIEDRICH VORWERK, also highlights the importance of the partnership: "Liebherr is a key partner in our journey towards climate-neutral construction. Close collaboration was essential to the successful delivery of our zero-emission site operations." The Buchholz site stands as a model for collaborative, forward-thinking construction—an approach acknowledged by Lower Saxony’s Environment and Energy Minister Christian Meyer during his visit in mid-September.
