UKPN & Falco's Electric Diggers Are Shaking Up Construction

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As a densely populated city with a huge amount of construction projects, London is the perfect location to trial new construction technology | Credit: Falco
UK Power Networks and Falco Construction have started trials for zero-emissions diggers in London, in an effort to reduce both noise and air pollution

Construction is famously an emissions-heavy industry, but decarbonising construction vehicles is low-hanging fruit in the sector's pursuit of sustainability. UK Power Networks (UKPN) and Falco Construction are collaborating with this idea in mind.

Through their partnership, the companies are bringing electric diggers to construction sites across their London networks in a series of trials which aim to shrink the carbon footprint of their work, without compromising on efficiency or reliability.

In the bustling City of London, where over nine million square feet of floor space is currently under construction, construction vehicles are always in incredibly high demand.

Data from April 2023 reveals that 1,365 Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) units were active across London, with 1,163 meeting the stringent requirements of the NRMM Low Emission Zone.

In essence, London is the perfect training ground for the UK's construction industry when it comes to sustainability. 

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The electrification of construction equipment

The ongoing trial employs the Takeuchi TB20e, a trailblazing all-electric excavator, to maintain UKPN's underground assets. Should the trial prove successful, Falco says it will consider replacing its entire cohort of 120 diesel-powered diggers with this eco-friendly alternative.

Beyond its obvious environmental advantages, the TB20e boasts a noise level that is 75% lower than traditional diesel models. Such a feature makes it exceptionally suited for operation in densely populated regions like London and other urban locales throughout the South East and East of the UK, and it stands to make these areas far nicer places to live.

Alan Seyfi, Support Services Director at Falco Construction, praises the electric model's capabilities: "The trial has put to bed concerns about range anxiety, power issues and handling."

The excavator's operational potency is evident as it can run between three to five days on a single charge, bolstering its viability for regular use.

Alan Seyfi, Support Services Director at Falco Construction

The promotion of clean urban living

Mete Coban, London's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, is one of this initiatives biggest supporters. “We know that construction vehicles such as diggers contribute significantly to air pollution, which is why the Mayor has tightened standards across London,” he explains.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has indeed increased regulations around air pollution in the capital city, expanding the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone to make it the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. The decarbonisation of the urban construction industry will doubtless be on his agenda too.

“Technology like this will help ensure Londoners, particularly those in the most deprived areas, can breathe cleaner air,” Mete explains,

UKPN echoes the positive outcomes from the trial, noting it as a crucial advancement for construction and utility work in the capital and potentially further afield.

“The results have cemented the trial as a way forward,” a spokesperson from the company asserts, highlighting the broader implications of adopting such zero-emission technology.

London's Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Mete Coban

What are the future challenges and opportunities for the industry?

While electric solutions present a promising avenue towards sustainability, their adoption is not without challenges, particularly for high-power or heavy vehicles where the size and weight of batteries come into play.

This issue is similar in the sphere of decarbonising heavy goods transportation, where supporting infrastructure, including dedicated EV charging points, is scarce.

Currently, the UK is home to a single EV charging location exclusively for heavy trucks. Moreover, the substantial initial cost associated with acquiring these vehicles and establishing depot charging setups remains a significant barrier.

The trial features the Takeuchi TB20e, an all-electric excavator

A commitment to a greener tomorrow

Through their trial of zero-emission electric diggers, UKPN and Falco Construction are marking a significant stride towards reducing the environmental impact of construction and utility operations.

With such encouraging results and robust backing from policymakers and industry stalwarts, this initiative showcases the immense potential of all-electric solutions in contributing towards a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environment.

"Technology like this will help to ensure Londoners, particularly those who live in the most deprived parts of London, can breathe cleaner air while also supporting our work to build a safer, greener London for everyone,” Mete explains. 


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