HS2 Ltd’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI Joint Venture (BBV) is trialling an electric, high-capacity drilling rig for construction on HS2’s site in Warwickshire. This trial advances the joint venture’s plan to meet HS2 Ltd’s ambition of operating diesel-free construction sites.
E-drilling rig cuts 1,200kg CO2/day, Reduces noise 50%. ©High Speed Two Ltd
The 100 tonne BAUER eBG33 drilling rig can carry out the same tasks as a traditional rig, but is the world’s first all-electric, high-capacity model. The rig offers an overall reduction of 1,292 kilograms of CO2 per day compared to a traditionally powered rig and also reduces noise by 50 percent.
The new machine is being used by BBV’s deep foundations contractor SB3 to construct large diameter piles alongside a diesel-powered rig. This project aims to demonstrate that heavy, electric-powered rigs can perform the same tasks as traditional models.