On December 11, Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation announced the deployment of Japan’s first 20-ton battery-powered hydraulic excavator at a construction site as part of its initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality. The excavator is charged using an engine generator exclusively designed for 100% biodiesel fuel. A 10-hour charge enables approximately 4.5 hours of continuous operation. Compared to conventional diesel-powered models, this machine reduces carbon dioxide emissions during construction by approximately 220 kilograms per day, translating to a reduction of about 53 tons annually.

The newly introduced Green Transformation, or GX construction machinery is designed to achieve zero CO2 emissions during operation, even at construction sites lacking access to commercial power sources. Obayashi aims to promote the widespread adoption of GX machinery as a key strategy for advancing decarbonization in the construction industry.

However, challenges remain at remote sites such as mountainous regions where commercial power is unavailable. Charging the GX machinery in such locations requires engine generators, which typically rely on diesel fuel, resulting in CO2 emissions during the charging process. Addressing this issue remains a critical task for further reducing the environmental impact. (2024/12/12)