The M80 Ring Road Completion is backing innovative state-of-the-art technologies to save energy during construction, delivering smart new ways to reduce emissions while building big in Melbourne’s northeast.
In a first for Victoria’s North East Link project, the Liebherr LB30 ‘Unplugged’ electric piling rig – one of only three in the world – has begun work on site in Watsonia.
The electric piling rig is helping to speed up the boring of piles with more than 350 drilled so far, and across the life of the project, the electric piling rig will complete 25% of total piles.
A hydrogen generator and auxiliary battery is being used to power the electric piling rig, which constitutes an Australia-first innovation and demonstrates a viable option for power flexibility on projects where grid electricity may be difficult to access.
The electric piling rig performs identically to its diesel counterpart while eliminating tailpipe emissions. Crews have cited enhanced responsiveness, air quality improvements and a significant reduction in noise, benefiting the operators, work crews and local community.
By the end of 2027, more than 4,000 piles will be dug and set across the M80 Ring Road Completion, helping to create the foundations for structures such as bridge supports and flyover ramps connecting a completed M80 to the North East Link tunnels.
This successful trial has put into motion the procurement of more renewable equipment, such as an electric boom lift, telehandler and excavator to start work on site later this year.