Atlas Copco ZBC Energy Storage System Runs Emission-Free Construction Site in Norway

Published: 28/12, 2023

Atlas Copco’s ZBC 250-575 energy storage system has been delivering the necessary energy to reline 1.5 miles (2,400 m) of pipeline at a residential neighborhood near Oslo, Norway.

The power grid available on site would not have been enough to cover the load profile of the worksite, which comprises the daily use of two electric excavators, among other machinery. To make up for that deficit and comply with strict local and national environmental regulations, instead of relying on more traditional diesel-driven alternatives, a battery-based energy storage system manages the energy input provided by the grid and a hydrogen fuel cell, making sure the load demand is covered.

STEG Entreprenør and Hafslund, one of Norway’s largest power generators, decided to include Atlas Copco’s ZBC energy storage system to solve the challenge posed by the limited grid on site. Not having to pay for fuel, the electricity required to power the equipment has a lower cost, enabling significant savings during operation. In addition, due to their low noise levels, operators can extend the working hours, beginning earlier in the morning and closing later into the night if needed, improving the projects’ productivity.

“Having an energy storage system on-site has allowed us to extend the workday and reduce the working week to just four days,” says Jan Erik Schanche, project manager for STEG Entreprenør. He adds that while electric machinery is a must for working in Norway’s residential areas, “we have discovered that it is also the most profitable approach if you have a steady power supply.”

STEG Entreprenør is also employing Atlas Copco’s new fast Z Charger to feed the two biggest loads on site - the electric excavators taking care of the pipe relining. The Z Charger boosts the charging rate by increasing the voltage, so the electric machinery charges quickly. Meanwhile, the energy storage system’s ECO ControllerTM makes sure there is enough energy to cover these peaks in the demand when it’s time to recharge. Making this innovative fast charger part of the solution has increased productivity on site, safeguarding the operational goals and deadlines the end customer had. The Z Charger, with a rated power of 160kW, can charge electric machinery and vehicles seven times faster than an ordinary wall box, and 42 times faster than a regular wall charger.

Although there are quite a few applications for Energy Storage Systems, Atlas Copco’s Lithium-ion range is ideally suited for the construction industry. The models are light and compact, taking up only 10 to 20 square feet, and can work with renewable sources of energy, like solar or wind. They can supply power for 12 hours depending on the demand and take only 1.5 hours to recharge. And, in addition to enabling end users to comply with environmental regulations, they offer significant business advantages that translate into a low total cost of ownership.

“Compared to a more traditional worksite, this project is way more sustainable over time,” Schanche says. “We are not only eliminating fuel consumption and emissions; having an Atlas Copco energy storage system on-site gives us major energy and economic savings from day one.”

In total, by using Atlas Copco’s ZBC energy storage system to charge the electric machinery working on site, the ten-month pipe relining project in Kruttverkveien has saved nearly 4,000 gallons (15,100 liters) of fuel and the equivalent of 40 tons of CO2, compared to the use of regular machinery. That’s equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by more than 1,500 trees in one year.

The construction site of tomorrow will consume much less energy than construction sites of the past. Diesel consumption and the associated air pollution will drop significantly as construction companies turn to energy storage solutions. The Scandinavian countries are leading the transformation of the industry, and renewable energies and practical cutting-edge solutions like energy storage systems already play a crucial role in this new reality.