Liebherr Unveils World's First Wheeled Loader with Hydrogen Engine in Austria
Key Ideas
- Liebherr introduced the world's first wheeled loader with a hydrogen engine in a demonstration at their plant in Bischofshofen, Austria.
- The opening of the first hydrogen filling station in Salzburg aims to support the decarbonisation of construction machinery.
- Hydrogen reciprocating piston engines are considered more suitable for larger machines compared to battery-electric solutions.
- Liebherr, in collaboration with Maximator Hydrogen, is developing mobile filling facilities for on-site refuelling of machinery.
Liebherr, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has made a significant leap in innovation by unveiling the world's first wheeled loader powered by a hydrogen engine. The prototype L 566 H was showcased at the Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen, Austria, drawing attention to the potential of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. This event was coupled with the inauguration of the first hydrogen filling station in Salzburg, underlining Liebherr's commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. Herbert Pfab, the chief technical officer of Liebherr Bischofshofen, emphasized the importance of access to hydrogen for advancing research in this field. While battery-electric solutions are suitable for smaller vehicles, hydrogen reciprocating piston engines are deemed more efficient for larger machinery. To facilitate the refuelling process, Liebherr has established its hydrogen filling station in collaboration with Maximator Hydrogen, a key research partner. The joint efforts aim to develop mobile filling facilities that will enable construction machinery to be refuelled directly at work sites, promoting sustainability and technological advancement in the industry.