Liebherr Mobile Energy Storage Powers STRABAG Drinking Water Infrastructure Project
- Meagan Wood
- May 26
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
STRABAG AG has deployed Liebherr’s LPO 100 mobile energy storage system on a major drinking water infrastructure project near Zurich, Switzerland. The battery-powered unit provided reliable crane and site power for more than five months despite a limited 11 kW grid connection, eliminating the need for diesel generators. The solution reduced fuel consumption by approximately 10,000 litres, cut CO₂ emissions by 27 tonnes, and saved roughly CHF 17,700 in fuel costs while supporting quiet, low-emission operations in a sensitive forest environment.
Battery-Based Energy Storage Supports Infrastructure Expansion Near Zurich
Liebherr’s mobile battery-based energy storage technology is playing a key role in supporting a major drinking water infrastructure project being delivered by STRABAG AG near Zurich, Switzerland.
The project involves the phased reconstruction and expansion of the more than 100-year-old water reservoir facilities located in “Chopfholz” in the municipality of Rüschlikon near Lake Zurich. The upgraded facilities are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and will significantly increase water storage capacity for the region.
To support construction activities in the environmentally sensitive forest location, STRABAG selected the Liebherr LPO 100 mobile energy storage system to provide reliable site power while avoiding the need for diesel generators or costly temporary grid upgrades.
Liebherr LPO 100 Mobile Energy Storage System
The Liebherr LPO 100 successfully bridged the gap between the site’s limited grid connection and the high peak power demands required for crane operations and concrete works.
The temporary site connection consisted of a CEE 16 A power supply delivering only 11 kW. Despite this limitation, the LPO 100 continuously charged from the grid while supplying cranes and site equipment with up to 110 kVA peak power.
The system enabled stable and quiet operations over a period of more than five months, including demanding concrete pouring activities of up to 150 cubic metres per day.
Beat Spörndli, Site Manager at STRABAG AG, explained:
“We were already familiar with this energy storage system from other sites and it proved essential here, enabling reliable crane operations and concrete pouring despite the limited CEE 16 A connection, while eliminating diesel generators and simplifying site logistics.”
Reduced Emissions and Improved Site Efficiency
The battery-powered solution offered major environmental and operational benefits for the forest-based infrastructure project. Because the LPO 100 operates quietly and without direct emissions, it was particularly well suited for the environmentally sensitive construction area near Lake Zurich.
The elimination of diesel generators also simplified site logistics by reducing fuel transport requirements and minimizing maintenance demands. Unlike conventional generators that run continuously, the Liebherr system delivers energy only when required, improving overall efficiency.
Over a five-month period, STRABAG reported the following savings compared to a traditional 70 kVA diesel generator:
Approximately 10,000 litres of diesel fuel saved
Around 27 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided
Approximately CHF 17,700 in fuel cost savings
According to Liebherr, the CO₂ reduction is roughly equivalent to the emissions generated by 10 to 12 transatlantic economy-class flights per person.
Reliable Power for Weak Grid Connections
The Rüschlikon reservoir project highlights the growing role of mobile battery energy storage systems on construction sites where grid capacity is limited or unavailable.
By providing stable, emission-free power without requiring temporary grid expansion, the Liebherr LPO 100 demonstrates how construction companies can reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational reliability.
The project also reflects the broader industry trend toward sustainable site operations, lower emissions, and reduced dependence on diesel-powered equipment.
About Liebherr
Founded in 1949 by Hans Liebherr, the Liebherr Group has grown into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, employing tens of thousands of people across more than 50 countries. Headquartered in Bulle, Switzerland, the family-owned company operates across a broad range of industries including cranes, earthmoving equipment, mining, aerospace, transportation systems, concrete technology, maritime solutions, and energy systems.
Liebherr is globally recognised for its innovation in lifting technology and sustainable construction solutions, with a strong focus on electrification, digitalisation, and reducing environmental impact across heavy industries. Its growing portfolio of energy storage and electrification products is designed to support low-emission construction sites, improve energy efficiency, and help contractors transition away from diesel-powered operations.
The company’s mobile battery storage systems, including the LPO series, are increasingly being deployed on infrastructure, industrial, and urban construction projects where reliable power, low noise emissions, and reduced carbon output are essential.
Website:www.liebherr.com
About STRABAG AG
STRABAG AG is one of Europe’s leading construction and infrastructure companies, delivering major projects across transportation, utilities, civil engineering, environmental infrastructure, and building construction sectors. The company operates throughout Europe and internationally, with expertise in sustainable construction practices and large-scale infrastructure development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Liebherr LPO 100?
The Liebherr LPO 100 is a mobile, battery-based energy storage system designed to provide reliable, emission-free power for construction sites and industrial applications.
Where was the LPO 100 used on this project?
The system was deployed on a drinking water infrastructure project in Rüschlikon near Zurich, Switzerland.
Why was battery energy storage used instead of diesel generators?
The project site had limited grid capacity and was located in a sensitive forest area, making quiet, low-emission power generation essential.
How much diesel fuel was saved during the project?
STRABAG reported savings of approximately 10,000 litres of diesel fuel over a five-month period.
How much CO₂ was reduced by using the LPO 100?
The battery-powered solution reduced carbon emissions by approximately 27 tonnes of CO₂.
