Green machine breaks new ground at IFC development

Thursday 17 February 2022

Local company BGR Ltd has brought a battery-powered piling rig to the island - one of only a handful currently available worldwide - to work on the new finance centre.

The 59-ton rotary drilling rig is not only more environmentally friendly, but also operates at significantly lower noise levels than fossil fuel-powered equivalents.

Piling rigs are used in the early stages of many construction projects depending on ground conditions to help create a solid structural base upon which buildings stand. Approaches to this include boring deep holes to be filled with reinforced concrete or hammering pre-cast steel or concrete piles into the ground. 

Both methods traditionally use heavy, diesel-powered machinery for the task, with often noisy consequences for anyone living or based near the construction site and those working there.

The Liebherr LB-16 Unplugged is the world’s first to be powered solely by batteries, which like most electric vehicles, are charged-up overnight.      

The 59-ton zero-emission machine can operate for 10 hours on one charge and features the latest in advanced operator control and comfort systems. 

"Despite advances in piling technology, fundamental methods for powering the required machinery have remained broadly the same, which can be challenging, particularly when used in built-up areas," Company MD Adrian Tett said. 

"As well as being far more environmentally sustainable, the new Liebherr battery-powered rig we have brought to Jersey minimises this at times unwelcome noise disruption. It is cutting edge – there are only five presently in the world and we are delighted to trial such an exciting modern alternative to fossil fuel-powered piling rigs in Jersey."

The company plans to use the piling rig on the new International Finance Centre IFC6 building, with work due to start imminently. As part of an agreement, both the manufacturer and BGR will monitor its performance in Jersey, with results helping to shape future use of the new machine.    

"Globally, the construction industry is embracing sustainability and moving towards more environmentally sound approaches to building projects," Mr Tett said. "This aligns with significant developments in the technology available for construction, the materials used and techniques employed. BGR’s mission is about bringing those approaches and developments to Jersey – for everyone’s benefit. This exciting new piece of machinery is definitely part of a much bigger picture."