Energy transition in the construction sector at SaMoTer 2023

The energy transition is already but it will take a few more years must pass before we see effective changes. Alongside technology, incentive policies and the need for cultural change will also be decisive, especially in southern European countries. This topic was explored during the “Construction machinery plugging in” conference organised by Vaielettrico during SaMoTer, the international construction machinery exhibition at Veronafiere until Sunday 7 May.

Manufacturers are working on a multitude of hybrid, electric and hydrogen technologies but it is still difficult to define what the future of the sector will be like.

“Electric is the solution for compact machines,” said Giovanni Pellizza, JCB Marketing Director. “On the other hand, for medium-large machinery, low autonomy and the sheer size of the batteries would favour hydrogen technology.”

Komatsu believes the present goes with hybrid system: “This A technology, compared to conventional systems, reduces emissions on average by 30%,” said Emanuele Viel, Group Manager Utility Electrification Team Member of Komatsu. “But we are also working on other fronts, especially electricity.”

“The construction sector has changed its pace over the last 4-5 years,” said Marco Paredi – Trencher Business Unit Director Tesmec. “In some European countries, machinery will have to be electric as early as 2025, if they will be allowed to work in urban centres. It is therefore reasonable to assume that we will already see important results over the next 4-5 years. In other areas, such as Southern Europe for example, several transition stages are more likely.”

“Technological plurality already co-exists at present,” said Michele Pennese of Bonfiglioli Group. “Politics will help choose the way forward but technology appropriate to the context will prevail. I imagine that the timing will be similar to what we are seeing in the automotive sector.”

“I don’t think restrictive rules are necessary. However, the technology must be truly efficient and affordable,” concluded Fabio Ghedini, owner of Ghedini Attachments.