The hydrogen-powered crane. (Image source; ACCIONA)

ACCIONA has achieved a world milestone in the construction sector by operating a tower crane with a portable zero-emission electricity generator based on hydrogen

 This is a great step forward, because in projects where it is not possible to connect to the grid the usual solution is to use generators powered by fossil fuels, mainly diesel.

This is the first experience in the construction sector worldwide in the use of this kind of portable generators based on hydrogen with a power range (100 kW) able to feed auxiliary equipment and site machinery.

It took place in the construction work for the new Norte III Penitentiary Complex in San Sebastián (Basque Country, northern Spain). The project was awarded last year to a joint venture involving 

ACCIONA, and the crane will continue to operate for the next three months thanks to this hydrogen-based electricity generator.

The development and validation of this first prototype of a 100 kW portable electricity generator based on hydrogen is part of the demonstration phase of the ‘Everywh2ere’ innovation project, in which the company is participating together with another 12 European partners.

The project, financed by the European Commission through the FCH JU (Fuel Cell Hydrogen Joint Undertaken) initiative, consists of the development of portable generators that use hydrogen instead of oil-based products to generate energy, reducing CO2 emissions and the noise and fumes created by current electricity generators.

ACCIONA’s role in the project is mainly to head the validation of the technology for its use in construction, through the implementation and deployment of a series of pilot projects of prototype generators developed on some of the sites of its project portfolio, such as the one in this project in San Sebastián.

ACCIONA is a global company, leader in the provision of regenerative solutions for a decarbonized economy. Its business offer includes renewable energy, water treatment and management, eco-efficient transportation and mobility systems, resilient infrastructures, etc. The company has been carbon neutral since 2016. ACCIONA recorded sales of US$8.6bn in 2021 and has a business presence in more than 60 countries.

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Susa Maleba, SRK Consulting DRC country manager, says that the mining landscape in the DRC is buoyant, stimulating both exploration and mine expansions

The 24 hp engine on the new Z-45/25J RT delivers all the power needed to tackle rough terrain with 45% gradeability, 4WD, traction control, and active oscillating axle. (Image source: Genie)

Genie has announced that the new Z-45/25J RT equipped with a 24 hp (18.5 kW) Kubota engine is available now, with limited availability, for customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India

Genie is also excited to announce that in response to continued strong demand, it is bringing back the much-loved boom for customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India — with a new 24 hp (18.5 kW) engine configuration, updated design language, and enhancements that improve maintenance and lower the total cost of ownership. 

The popular 49 hp (36 kW) Z-45/25 J RT will continue to be offered for customers in Latin America, Asia and China. 

“The new Z-45/25J RT has all of the same features our customers have known and loved for more than 30 years, including a durable design and 99.99% reliability rate, based on three decades of data,” said Corrado Gentile, product manager at Genie. “At the same time, we’ve introduced some enhancements and upgrades, including a new 24 hp engine that is clean and powerful, and offers best-in-class maintenance while lowering the machine’s carbon footprint.” 

The new Z-45/25J RT, which will be on display at several European trade shows this spring and summer, features a DPF-free 24 hp Kubota engine that is Stage V/IIIA compliant, eliminating the need for after-treatment, making the boom easier to maintain, and lowering engine maintenance costs by as much as 57% compared with larger engines found in comparably sized booms. At the same time, nothing is compromised on performance. The 24 hp engine on the new Z-45/25J RT delivers all the power needed to tackle rough terrain with 45% gradeability, 4WD, traction control, and active oscillating axle. Contributing to ease of service, 90% of the hydraulic hoses are easy to access. 

The new Z-45/25J RT delivers the benefits of Genie Lift Connect telematics technology, which provides equipment owners actionable data to maximise productivity and minimise downtime. It has a maximum working height of 15.86 m (51 ft 6 in) and up-and-over clearance of 7.14 m (23 ft 7 in). Zero tailswing, a 1.52 m (5 ft) jib with 135-degree vertical rotation, plus dual-parallelogram boom design for vertical wall tracking all contribute to flexible positioning in tight spaces. The platform supports 227 kg (500 lb) through the full working range.

Two additional standard features — Lift Guard Contact Alarm and Lift Tools Work Tray — contribute to safe and productive work practices. 

“Articulated booms from Genie have been recognised by independent sources for having low cost of ownership while retaining high value. The Z-45/25J RT is a testament to that truth,” Gentile said. 

The new 24 hp Z-45/25J RT further complements the Genie boom product lineup, which includes the J series telescopic booms, Xtra Capacity (XC) and Fuel Electric (FE) hybrid boom lifts, giving rental companies more options to increase fleet utilisation and increase rROIC by matching the right lift with the job.