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HS2 Ltd’s construction partner Balfour Beatty Vinci joint venture (BBV) is currently trialling an all-electric, high-capacity drilling rig on a construction site in Warwickshire.

The 100t Bauer eBG33 drilling rig creates an overall reduction of 1,292kg carbon dioxide per day compared to a traditionally powered rig and reduces noise by 50%. The rig can also perform the same tasks as a traditional rig.

The rig has been developed and manufactured by Bauer Maschinen, which is part of the Bauer Group.

The trial is part of the JV’s bid to meet HS2 Ltd’s ambition for diesel-free construction sites by 2029 and to be net zero carbon from 2035.

The machine is being used by BBV’s deep foundations contractor SB3 – a joint venture between Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering.

SB3 is using the machine alongside a diesel-powered rig to construct large diameter piles, with the aim of demonstrating that heavy, electric-powered construction plant can perform the same tasks as traditional machines.

The Bauer eBG33 replaces the diesel engine drive with a powerful electric drive. The environmental benefits include reduced exhaust and noise emissions; high energy efficiency due to modern three-phase asynchronous motor; and flexibility through an integrated frequency converter.

SB3 JV board director Chris Merridew said: “Our team was eager to support Bauer as the first end user of the electric rig and its new technology.  It has the potential to be a massive game changer for the industry and the wider construction sector in our continued drive to reduce carbon, noise and emissions.”

Bauer Maschinen sales manager Tim Laemmle said: “We’re thrilled to be leading the industry with this electric rig. It is great to be working with HS2, BBV and SB3, as the first UK specialist contractor to demonstrate the capabilities of the product.

“We’re fully committed to bringing emission-free equipment to the deep foundation sector. There is a strong desire to promote our new electrified equipment as a genuine, reliable alternative to fossil fuel driven machinery.”

Bauer is also trialling different E-connection concepts and an innovative concept for set-up operation via an autonomous secondary drive which is independent of the power supply.

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