Holcim Pioneers Battery-Powered Mobile Concrete Batching Plant

Holcim – a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions – and Blue Diamond Machinery – the leading distributor of off-grid power solutions – have successfully trialled a mobile concrete batching plant, powered by an advanced battery-diesel hybrid system, in Southwest Queensland.

Supplying concrete to construct an onshore renewable energy transmission line project, the mobile batching plant uses a 90 KVA POWR2 battery. If required, a diesel-powered generator charges the batteries and feeds back-up power to the mobile plant.

During the first week of concrete production, Holcim successfully reduced generator running time by approximately 87%, leading to substantial energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Holcim Head of Sustainability, Cyril Giraud said: “To produce 49m³ of concrete, our batch plant would normally consume approximately 120 litres of diesel during the day with the 150kVA generator onsite. By utilising a battery-diesel hybrid setup, we were able to efficiently power the plant predominantly with the battery; only requiring 15 litres of diesel for the generator to replenish itself. Over the course of a year’s operation, this could result in a saving of 31,000L of diesel or 85,000kg of avoided CO₂ emissions. This is equivalent to taking 17 cars off the road per year, per mobile batching plant site.”

Commenting on the partnership with Holcim, Blue Diamond Director, Brad Pitts said: “As the global leader in sustainable construction, Blue Diamond was delighted to partner with Holcim to help them trial decarbonisation pathways. We worked closely with Holcim over several months to achieve the right size and application of this mobile concrete batching plant, both within the mobile fleet and the fixed plant set-up.”

This significant milestone is a positive step toward a cleaner, more sustainably built environment. Holcim’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in this groundbreaking initiative, setting a new standard for construction practices in Australia.

Holcim’s commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to drive the exploration of groundbreaking solutions in the construction industry. The introduction of the battery-powered mobile concrete batching plant marks a step toward building a cleaner, more sustainable future.

About Holcim

As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure, and improving living standards around the world. With a presence in over 70 countries, Holcim is committed to offering products and services that support sustainable construction and infrastructure projects. The company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation drives its mission to build progress for people and the planet. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success.

About Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is New Zealand & Australia’s leading national independent distributor of off-grid power solutions and the preferred supplier to some of our largest construction and mining companies. For more than 10 years, Blue Diamond has focused on the supply of power generators, lighting towers, and air compressors, offering nationwide coverage and industry-leading aftermarket support.

As the exclusive national distributor for some of the world’s leading clean power equipment manufacturers, Blue Diamond is proud to offer lower carbon power solutions to the construction and mining sectors. The company is playing its role in Australia & New Zealand’s energy transition and supporting government and industry to reduce their carbon emissions on the path to Net Zero.