PORR and Wiener Netze Launch Nearly Emission-Free Network Maintenance Initiative

PORR and Wiener Netze have implemented a new initiative aimed at significantly reducing emissions during repair and maintenance work on Vienna's energy and data infrastructure. This pilot project marks a major step toward decarbonizing operations in the energy sector, with the introduction of a workforce equipped entirely with alternative-powered machinery and vehicles.

Under this initiative, a specialized team, referred to as the "CO2-neutral construction crew," will manage incidents such as gas leaks, damage to power cables, or district heating line repairs using a fleet of approximately ten machines and vehicles. Unlike traditional diesel-powered equipment, the new fleet operates on electric and hydrogen-based powertrains, as well as vehicles running on HVO 100, an advanced biofuel. According to company projections, this transition is expected to cut the CO2e emissions of maintenance teams by up to 90% annually.

Research conducted by the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), which is providing scientific oversight for the project, estimates that the program will save around 46,500 kg of CO2e emissions each year. The calculations take into account the emissions generated by diesel, HVO 100, hydrogen, and electricity usage across the pilot project's full range of equipment.

The project officially commenced with maintenance work on a district heating pipeline in Vienna's Sixth District. The occasion was attended by leadership from both Wiener Stadtwerke and PORR, underscoring the importance of sustainability within municipal operations. The city of Vienna has a stated goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, and this project aligns with broader efforts to minimize the carbon footprint of critical infrastructure maintenance.

Wiener Netze, responsible for the safe operation of Vienna's electricity, gas, and district heating grids, sees this development as a way to maintain rapid response times for network disruptions while adhering to stringent environmental standards. The transition to cleaner energy sources, including hydrogen, is viewed as essential for the long-term sustainability of the city's energy networks.

The CO2-neutral construction crew's equipment includes passenger vehicles, trucks with cranes, vans, portable energy storage units, as well as various construction and excavation tools such as electric jackhammers, vibratory plates, and compactors. A standout feature of the project is the deployment of a hydrogen-powered backhoe loader supplied by JCB, a leading global manufacturer of construction machinery. The Vienna pilot marks the world's first operational use of this specific hydrogen-fueled model, providing valuable real-world data for future adoption.

JCB, recognized for its advancements in alternative drive technologies, is closely monitoring the pilot to assess the effectiveness and potential scalability of hydrogen combustion engines in heavy-duty equipment. The project is expected to provide insights into the feasibility of widespread hydrogen adoption across construction sites, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

PORR has identified the gradual conversion of its vehicle and machinery fleet as a primary strategy for reducing direct (Scope 1) emissions. The company is actively investing in innovative propulsion technologies and alternative fuels such as HVO 100 to modernize its equipment portfolio. However, the transition is influenced by the current availability of alternative-powered machinery in the market, particularly for larger equipment where battery-electric solutions face technical limitations.

Ongoing collaborations with equipment manufacturers, research institutions, and forward-thinking clients, including Wiener Netze, are central to driving progress in this field. Data gathered from the Vienna pilot and other similar projects will support the scientific study of low-carbon construction sites and inform future best practices for the industry.

This initiative by PORR and Wiener Netze serves as a model for sustainable operations within the construction and utility sectors, demonstrating that large-scale emission reductions are achievable through a combination of innovative technologies, strategic planning, and cross-sector partnerships.