Construction Europe May-June 2025

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ADAPTATION AND AMBITION ACROSS EUROPE

Following a lively and thought-provoking Bauma, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, the scale of investment, ambition and innovation across Europe’s construction sector is accelerating.

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In this issue, we hear from two influential industry leaders: Bouygues Construction’s chief strategy officer offers insight into how one of Europe’s largest contractors is reshaping itself for the future, while Procore’s outgoing CEO reflects on a transformative period for construction technology and the growing importance of digital collaboration tools across the continent.

Elsewhere, we turn our attention to the sky – quite literally – with features on high-rise construction and the latest in crane technology. As urban populations grow and land becomes scarcer, vertical construction is not just a trend, but a necessity. Complementing this, our section on concrete equipment explores the tools helping contractors meet both scale and sustainability demands.

We also look back on Bauma with our in-depth review of the event, assessing what the show revealed about the direction of construction equipment development, particularly as manufacturers respond to tightening regulations, digitalisation and customer demand for sustainable machinery.

Meanwhile, economic uncertainty continues to cast a shadow.

In Germany, indicators point to a slowdown in construction output, with high interest rates and cautious investor sentiment posing challenges. Across the continent, infrastructure investment remains a bright spot, but contractors are increasingly expected to deliver more with less.

Yet amid these pressures, there is clear evidence of resilience and reinvention. Whether through strategic transformation, product innovation or new ways of working. And as this issue shows, it is doing so with ambition and clarity of purpose.

KHL’S CONSTRUCTION PORTFOLIO

EDITOR

Catrin Jones

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CONSTRUCTION BRIEFING EDITOR

Neil Gerrard

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Murray Pollok

EDITORIAL MANAGER

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GROUP EDITORS

Lindsey Anderson, Andy Brown, Jenny Lescohier, D.Ann Shiffler, Leila Steed, Lewis Tyler, Euan Youdale

LAW & CONTRACT CORRESPONDENT

Produced in co-operation with Pinsent Masons

CECE REPORT

Produced in co-operation with the Committee for European Construction Equipment

FIEC REPORT

Produced in co-operation with the European Construction Industry Federation

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE

12 INTERVIEW: BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION

Bouygues Construction’s chief strategy officer Renaud Digoin Danzin spoke to Catrin Jones on what growth means for the company.

15 NEWS REPORT

How could a €3.1bn project protect Spain from future power cuts? Neil Gerrard reports.

18

HIGH-RISE AND CRANES

While the world builds taller, how is Europe charting its own course in high-rise development?

24 COUNTRY REPORT: GERMANY

After years of decline, Germany is seeing early signs of stabalisation.

30 REVIEW:

A look at what was revealed, launched and shown at the show in April.

40 INTERVIEW: WIRTGEN INTERNATIONAL

International Construction editor Andy Brown speaks to Jason Ambroson, VP and managing director of Wirtgen International.

42 CONCRETE

EQUIPMENT

How are concrete equipment manufacturers meeting the demands of the industry?

46 CONTECH: ELECTRIFICATION

Tom Jackson on whether OEM’s are betting on electric equipment.

50 CONTECH INTERVIEW: PROCORE

Outgoing Procore CEO, Tooey Courtemanche, outlines what the industry needs next.

2025

MATEXPO

September 10-14, 2025

Kortrijk, Belgium

www.matexpo.com

PLANTWORX

September 23-25, 2025

Newark, UK

www.plantworx.co.uk

GIS

September 25-27, 2025

Piacenza, Italy

www.gic-expo.it

CONEXPO

March 3-7, 2026

Las Vegas, US

www.conexpo.com

POLAND

Two contractors share deal to build new Formula 1 racing circuit in Madrid

New Madring will run partially on public roads and be ready for races from 2026 onwards

Aconsortium of Acciona and Eiffage Construcción has signed a deal to build the new Formula 1 racing circuit in Madrid, Spain.

The so-called Madring will be used for F1 races from 2026 onwards.

The project had a tender budget of €111 million and has been awarded to the consortium, which is 60% owned by Acciona and 40% by Eiffage, for €83.2 million.

The circuit will be located in the northeast of Madrid. Apart from a section of public roads, it will mostly sit on plots of land belonging to IFEMA Madrid, an events and exhibitions venue in Madrid.

Work includes the assembly and dismantling of all the temporary track structures and facilities for the race, as well as the restoration of the public roads that will form part of the circuit for their everyday use once the race is over.

The consortium will start work on all the permanent structures and elements this April and to complete them by May 2026.

The circuit, designed under the Grade 1 standards of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), will be 5.4 kilometres long, of which 4.1 kilometres will be within IFEMA Madrid land and 1.3 kilometres on a section of public roads.

The project will reuse nearly 700,000 cubic metres of earth from road cutting and excavations. ce

CPK selects contractor for Poland’s high-speed railway

Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) has awarded a contract for the excavation of a new High-Speed Rail (HSR) tunnel in Łodz, Poland, to a consortium led by PORR.

IRELAND

The tunnel is part of Line 85, a “Y” shaped route that will connect Warsaw and the CPK Airport with Łodz by 2032 and further extend to Wrocław and Poznań by 2035. Construction

Stantec buys Irish engineering and environment consultancy

Global engineering and architecture consulting company Stantec has acquired Irish engineering and environmental consultancy Ryan Hanley. The Irish firm, with offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Castlebar, employs 150 people across the country. Stantec said the acquisition would bring local knowledge and technical expertise, particularly in the Irish water sector.

Ryan Hanley has been a local partner for Stantec as part of a joint venture (JV) since 2020.

is set to begin later this year.

The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is a major infrastructure project in Poland that aims to construct a new international airport and develop a nationwide integrated transport network.

The winning bid, valued at PLN 1.761 billion (€396 million), encompasses the section between the Retkinia and Fabryczna chambers, along with all essential infrastructure.

The tender process, one of the largest in CPK’s history, began in December 2024 and involved approximately 2,000 documents. The company received over 1,000 inquiries from

Sports venue architecture specialist Populous has unveiled the design for a new €333.8 million stadium in Venice, Italy.

Maffeis Engineering and Populous were commissioned for the design and engineering work on the stadium by the consortium building the project: Costruzioni Bordignon,

bidders.

The tunnel will be constructed using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) with a diameter of approximately 14 metres and a length of 4.6 km. ce

Eurozone’s construction activity still in decline, new orders drop at slower rate EUROPE

Construction activity in the Eurozone continued to decline in March

Construction activity in the Eurozone continued to decline in March but the rate at which it contracted eased compared to the previous month, according to a new survey of construction buyers.

The Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) Construction PMI Total Activity Index scored industry activity at 44.8 in March (where anything less than 50.0 indicates a decline). That was up slightly from 42.7 in February.

The decline in new orders was the softest since April 2022, according to the survey. While still in decline, new orders fell at a slower rate than in February.

Germany and France drove the fall in activity in March. Germany experienced the steepest decline of 2025 so far, while French firms also recorded a contraction that was nonetheless less pronounced than in February.

By contrast, Italian companies recorded their fastest expansion since December 2023.

The housing sector was once again the main culprit for the decline in activity. Declines in civil engineering and commercial construction activity softened from February, with the latter seeing least marked reduction since February 2023. ce

GERMANY

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

BUILTWORLDS BuiltWorlds has appointed Rosemarie Lipman as CEO, effective immediately. A seasoned technology and business leader, Lipman brings over 15 years’ experience, including executive roles at a major Canadian contractor. Founder Matt Gray becomes executive chair. Lipman joined BuiltWorlds’ board in 2023 and now leads its research, advisory, and events platform.

CATERPILLAR Caterpillar has appointed Joseph E. Creed as CEO, effective 1 May 2025, succeeding Jim Umpleby, who becomes executive chairman. A 28-year veteran, Creed has held key roles including COO, CFO, and VP. Umpleby steps down after eight years as CEO, having led Caterpillar to €56.8bn in 2024 revenue.

CEA The Construction Equipment Association has named Viki Bell as CEO, effective April 2025. Currently director of operations, Bell has led structural and digital upgrades, including a new CRM system and website. Her leadership also saw refreshed member resources and streamlined processes across finance, HR, communications, and digital engagement.

RAMBOLL Ramboll has appointed Claire Racine as UK Head of Sustainability for Buildings and promoted Lora Brill to Global Head of Buildings Sustainability. Claire, formerly EMEA Head of ESG Strategy at JLL, brings over 20 years’ experience and architectural expertise to support clients in achieving commercially driven sustainability outcomes.

Hochtief and Implenia share Munich tunnelling project

A joint venture between contractors Implenia and Hochtief have won a contract to build a three-kilometre stretch of railway tunnels under the München-Ost underground station.

The work, which is worth somewhere in

Those firms won the contract for the stadium in March 2024.

The 18,500-seater stadium will be part of a sports masterplan in Tessera, in the new Bosco dello Sport – a multifunctional, 116-hectare hub in the northern part of the city.

the “high hundreds of millions of Euros” to the joint venture, is part of the major Second Core S-Bahn Route project in Munich, Germany, for rail company Deutsche Bahn.

The work under the ‘733 Tunnel Ostbahnhof’ contract includes structural works for the Ostbahnhof stop and the tunnel tubes between the Marienhof and Ostbahnhof stations.

The joint venture will build two traffic tunnels and a rescue gallery,

eight connecting structures between the main tunnels, a junction structure, several galleries and shafts, and the shell construction of a new underpass in the Ostbahnhof station.

Work will start later this year and is scheduled for completion in May 2033.

Implenia said that it would employ the “systematic use” of BIM technology and proven Lean working methods to keep the project on track.

Fincantieri Infrastrutture and Ranzato Impianti.

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK

Caterpillar adds collision warning, payload options to medium wheeled loaders

Caterpillar has announced new technology features for its next generation medium wheeled loaders, with a focus on jobsite safety, load accuracy and operator productivity.

The updates apply to the 950, 962, 966, 966 XE, 972, 972 XE, 980, 980 XE, 982 and 982 XE models.

A key addition is the Collision Warning System with Motion Inhibit, which combines radar and smart camera sensors to alert operators of hazards behind the loader and automatically stop the machine if a person or object is detected.

The package includes People Detection, Object Detection, and Motion Inhibit, which prevents reverse movement if an obstacle is present in the loader’s path after shifting out of neutral.

The

Holcim UK trials AI-powered autonomous technology

The strategic partnership aims to develop the commercialisation of autonomous technology

The trial was conducted at the Lee Moor Quarry in Plymouth, using a 23-tonne Develon crawler excavator equipped with autonomous technology from the Switzerland-based start-up Gravis Robotics.

After the initial setup and testing, the machine was tasked with feeding a hopper of a screener with sand and gravel, aiming for a target of 100 cycles per hour. During the two-day testing period, the machine successfully averaged 133 cycles per hour, moving 1,500 tonnes of material daily, achieving 99% accuracy, and experiencing minimal spillage.

After the trial, Holcim, Hyundai Xitesolutions (Develon), and Gravis Robotics agreed to a three-way memorandum of understanding at the annual Bauma in Munich, Germany.

The strategic partnership aims to develop the commercialisation of autonomous technology designed to enhance productivity, improve safety in quarry operations and within confined material handling.

Nemetschek Group to partner with Google Cloud

The Nemetschek Group have announced a partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate AI-driven innovation, expand into new markets, and enhance digital workflows across its portfolio.

Through this collaboration, Nemetschek plans to leverage Google Cloud’s advanced AI and cloud technologies at a group level and throughout its offerings.

The partnership is expected to support Nemetschek’s expansion into new markets, such as Saudi Arabia and India, while also strengthening its presence in Europe,

the USA, and the AsiaPacific region.

The company adds that the adoption of geospatial integration with Google Maps and Earth will furthermore enable the BIM authoring brands of the Nemetschek Group, such as AllPlan, to optimise planning and resource allocation.

“Our partnership with

Google Cloud marks a pivotal moment in our mission to redefine how digital solutions drive efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AEC/O) industry,” said Charlie Timmermann, group VP of strategic alliances at the Nemetschek Group.

Flying construction robots complete first real-world tests

New research led by Imperial College London, with contributions from the University of Bristol, has revealed that aerial robotics could enhance safety, sustainability, and scalability in the construction industry.

The study focuses on the use of drones for midair material deposition, a process known as Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM).

The approach aims to tackle global housing and infrastructure challenges by utilising aerial robots equipped with advanced manipulators. The robots are said to overcome the limitations of traditional construction methods and groundbased robotic systems.

The innovations presented in the research are said to improve productivity and environmental sustainability while providing access to elevated heights, hard-to-reach areas, or hazardous locations, all while minimising waste and energy consumption.

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OUTLOOK FOR GERMAN CONSTRUCTION

Amajor shift toward more expansive fiscal policy will boost Germany’s growth from 2026 onward, while the near-term outlook remains burdened by an anticipated US-EU conflict over tariffs. Even before the formation of a new government after February’s elections, parliament voted with a two-thirds majority to create a 12-year, €500 billion off-budget fund for infrastructure and to expand the existing off-budget fund for defense without any specified limitation. This major expansion of government investment, which will be exempt from Germany’s debt brake rules and not count toward the annual budget deficit, probably leads to additional public expenditures of about 1.5%2.0% of GDP per year during

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Hazelton is a director with the Global Construction team at the market analyst S&P Global.

Scott has over 30 years experience in construction, heavy equipment, building materials and industrial manufacturing markets.

the next decade. The nature of investment in defense and infrastructure, implying long lead times for planning and increases in output capacity, means that real GDP growth in 2025 will hardly be affected. From 2026 to approximately 2031, however, we have raised our forecasts for real GDP growth by about 50 basis points on average.

Fixed investment rebounded only modestly in the fourth quarter of 2024, having declined during most of 2023–24. Persistently high uncertainty about domestic and foreign demand prospects has been decisive, reinforced by the shift to far-right parties in various domestic and European elections and by the German government’s self-imposed fiscal consolidation course. Demand for construction started to recover in late 2024, and structural factors such as pent-up housing demand, migrant needs and now substantial additional public spending on transport, energy, IT infrastructure and the military will reinforce this from late 2025 onward. Investment in equipment faces a greater

S&P Global Market Intelligence © 2025 S&P Global

challenge given the structural loss in competitiveness owing to the loss of cheap Russian gas and a much tougher market for exports to China than in the past. Easing inflationary pressures are expected to allow the ECB to continue easing monetary policy. We forecast the ECB to cut rates by a further 50 basis points this year, with the deposit rate reaching a terminal rate of 2.0% during the third quarter of 2025.

GRADUAL RECOVERY

Following an estimated decline of 3.1% in 2024, real total construction spending in Germany is forecast to rise by 1.3% in 2025. This signals a gradual recovery as still-high financing costs, geopolitical uncertainty and increasing protectionism should continue to undermine investor sentiment across the industry. The upturn expected in construction activity will be limited by previous declines in building permits and new orders before an acceleration in growth to 3.0% in 2026. The latest Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) Germany

Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey compiled by S&P Global showed that a lack of incoming new business remained an issue across the industry at the start of 2025. New orders fell at a marked and accelerated pace in January 2025, with surveyed firms attributing this to a lack of tender opportunities, high building and borrowing costs, and general weakness in the economy. As a result, building companies continued to reduce their workforce and purchasing activity, as they maintained a pessimistic outlook for construction activity over the next 12 months.

CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK FOR DETAILED INDUSTRIES (COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH, REAL 2019 €)

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence © 2025 S&P Global

Residential construction spending in Germany fell by an estimated 4.9% in 2024 as buyers and builders pulled back from home purchases and project starts amid affordability and profitability concerns. The number of building permits issued also continued to trend downward over the year, and this should limit the recovery expected in residential construction growth to 1.1% in 2025. Moreover, while falling interest rates and rising real incomes should attract buyers back to the market, affordability issues will likely remain as house prices gain momentum. Even as demand for housing shows signs of a recovery, indicators of supply remain weak with the number of building permits issued for dwellings falling by 18.9% year over year during the first 11 months of 2024, according to Destatis.

INVESTOR APPETITE

In nonresidential structures, construction spending is estimated to have fallen by 1.8% in 2024 and a modest rebound in growth to 1.5% is expected in 2025, as weak economic growth and stillhigh financing and building costs continue to weigh on

investor appetite for new developments. Given political uncertainty at home and the prospect of trade tensions, firms will likely remain cautious with respect to corporate building projects well into 2025. As economic and financing conditions improve further, growth should then improve to 3.2% in 2026. Office construction, which dominates the nonresidential segment, will continue to be impacted by economic and political uncertainties and higher development costs, although several global real estate service providers, including Knight Frank LLP, expect a gradual increase in investment activity during 2025. That said, the shift toward hybrid working is increasing demand for highquality space, particularly in central locations, that meet environmental, social and governance requirements and, as a result, the refurbishment or repurposing of existing office space will likely remain a key focus for many landlords and building owners. Elsewhere in the nonresidential structures segment, many electric-vehicle microchip factory projects have been suspended or postponed because of high costs, financial issues and

viability concerns over the past 12 months. Yet investment in renewable energy projects has increased in recent months, for example, Frankfurt approved a school building initiative in September 2024 that will see €1 billion invested in building and renovating schools over the next five years.

Infrastructure construction spending is expected to slow from an estimated 2.0% in 2024 to 1.8% in 2025 amid political uncertainties. Nonetheless, the sustained expansion will be driven by investment to renovate and modernise transport infrastructure, as well as various energy projects aimed at transporting electricity from renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the creation of a new off-budget fund for additional spending on infrastructure could provide a boost to construction growth in 2026–27. In August 2023, the government approved €211.8 billion for its Climate and Transformation Fund to finance various projects in building renovation, decarbonization and the industry between 2024 and 2027. Of the total funding, €57.6 billion was earmarked for 2024, including €4.7 billion for EV charging

infrastructure and €4.0 billion for railway infrastructure. The fund also set aside €12.5 billion for German railway operator Deutsche Bahn AG to renovate and expand the railway network between 2024 and 2027. However, funding cuts following a constitutional court ruling in November 2023 have raised questions about the delivery of planned projects. Infrastructure projects are also set to benefit from funds through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). However, it is worth noting that most of the funding will be spread out over several years and, as a result, will contribute only modestly to growth in the near term. So far, €19.8 billion (equivalent to 65% of the country’s €30.3 billion financial allocation) has been disbursed by the European Commission to Germany to date.

NASCENT RECOVERY

The growth by segment indicates the nascent construction recovery beginning in 2025 and generally accelerating in 2026 with infrastructure the primary beneficiary. As one digs into the detail, transportation offers the strongest potential, although water and sewer construction also indicates strength. This is driven by the general announcement of significant federal investment and will be refined as details become available. The peak of the growth occurs in the 20282030 timeframe but note that growth continues at reduced rates for well over a decade. Manufacturing is generally stronger than in our prior forecast, although the surge in defense spending spans several industries and accounts for a relatively small share of total manufacturing. Transportation equipment growth improves, but never quite regains its past dominance. Chemicals and particularly electrical and electronic equipment perform better as economies become even more technologically driven.

From labour shortages and net-zero targets to infrastructure investment gaps, Europe’s construction sector is facing a complex set of pressures. Bouygues Construction is responding with long-term strategies in digitalisation, sustainability and the delivery of major transportation projects

From tunnelling beneath Australian cities to reshaping UK railways, Bouygues Construction is leaving its mark on some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects around the globe.

In a year defined by rapid technological change and growing pressure to build more sustainably, the company is advancing on multiple fronts – investing in digital innovation, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding into highgrowth sectors such as data centres and decarbonised energy.

The company’s wide-ranging activity has translated into strong financial results. In 2024, Bouygues Group reported an operating profit of €2.53 billion and total sales of €56.75 billion, underpinned by a series of landmark contracts and a focus on long-term transformation.

Renaud Digoin Danzin, director of strategy at Bouygues Construction, offers

his insight into the company’s forwardlooking approach. Central to its vision is sustainability, particularly in Europe, where reducing emissions has become a priority.

Sustainability is increasingly shaping the global construction industry, but particularly in Europe, where Bouygues Construction is actively pursuing a range of carbon-reduction strategies. These include the use of low-carbon materials, enhanced recycling practices, and careful monitoring of resource consumption.

Digoin Danzin notes that cutting carbon emissions has become a major challenge for European construction firms, driving widespread changes in how projects are designed and delivered. In response, Bouygues Construction is focusing on improving the carbon footprint of every project they undertake. As Digoin Danzin explains, “Anytime we touch, build or renovate something, we try to decrease the

Bouygues Construction are involved with the construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct as part of HS2 PHOTO: HS2

carbon footprint of the project.”

CHALLENGES AFOOT

While environmental impact remains a critical focus, the sector continues to grapple with several challenges.

One of the most pressing concerns is the shortage of skilled labour. Recruitment issues, particularly among younger workers, are intensifying. “Our industry has been seen as less attractive than technology companies. Decade after decade, we have been struggling to recruit youngsters, and we feel the tension on that. But it’s not only valid in Europe.”

When asked what needs to change, he notes that there is no straightforward solution, as the challenge is rooted in societal perception. “It is not easy to change the mindset of teenagers and young people and bring them into the industry,” he says.

Anytime we touch, build or renovate something, we try to decrease the carbon footprint of the project.”

RENAUD DIGOIN

DANZIN of strategy at Bouygues Construction

PHOTO: DIDIER COCATRIX

He also highlights the continued demand for infrastructure across Europe as a critical factor shaping the sector’s future. “There is still a high level of infrastructure needed in Europe,” he says. “The construction of these assets, which are needed for society, will require significant investments.”

As public budgets come under growing pressure, alternative funding models are returning to the agenda. “After a period where public-private partnerships have been less popular, what we see worldwide is a renewed discussion on the next generation of funding schemes.”

While earlier approaches had limits, Digoin Danzin suggests the sector is now better positioned to apply those lessons. “The first wave of the last 20 years has had disadvantages, but we can use those lessons learned and build new schemes which would be valuable for society and allow us to build objects which are not immediately available within the state budget.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Despite the challenges, Europe remains a sector of gradual but resilient growth, with Bouygues Construction continuing to secure major projects in key markets like the UK, where government

investment remains consistent.

Bouygues Construction, through its subsidiary Bouygues Travaux Publics, has been a key player in the development of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, which is set to improve rail travel in the UK by linking London and the Midlands. As part of the HS2 consortium, Bouygues Construction is contributing to the construction of vital infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges, and stations.

Upon the completion of HS2, Digoin Danzin says that the company will not be slowing down anytime soon and already has other UK projects in the pipeline. “We don’t foresee any slowdown, and we are already involved in the early stages of, for example, two major projects, one of which is the Lower Thames crossing project.”

The Lower Thames Crossing, a proposed 23km road and tunnel project linking Kent and Essex, received development consent from the UK government on 25 March 2025. The approval followed a protracted planning process spanning more than 15 years and marked by extensive consultations, environmental assessments and political deliberations.

INVESTMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY

Digitalisation is beginning to reshape the construction industry, offering new efficiencies in project management and delivery. Bouygues Construction has made targeted investments in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced materials as part of a broader effort to modernise construction processes.

According to Digoin Danzin, “We are at the start of a wave of digitalisation,” with the effects becoming increasingly visible across operations. The company has begun rolling out updated management systems, and information handling on project sites is gradually being influenced by robotics. Early trials have taken place using robots to carry out specific construction tasks.

The company is also exploring digital tools to support planning and operational management. As Digoin Danzin explains, “Project planning has always been a tough topic for construction, so anything which is around digitalisation is a key topic for us.”

The company is navigating a rapidly changing landscape, balancing growth with sustainability and technological advancement. With major projects underway, a focus on digital innovation, and an expanding presence in key sectors, the company remains wellpositioned for the future.

“There is no magic in our industry,” he says, “It’s about being serious, humble and careful.”

An image of what the finished viaduct will look like PHOTO: ALIGN JV

An interconnector project with hundreds of kilometres of undersea cable is set for 2028 completion

Massive power outages in Spain and Portugal last week were a striking illustration of the adage that infrastructure is everything you don’t notice until it fails.

Millions of people were left without power for hours on the Iberian Peninsula when the Spanish electrical system failed on Monday at 12:33 pm.

The lights went out, including traffic lights, throwing roads into chaos; card payments became impossible; hundreds of flights were cancelled.

GRID RESTORED

The grid was gradually restored, and investigations into the cause are underway, although Portugal’s government and

Spanish power company REE have already ruled out a cyberattack.

“All the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that this does not happen again,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Tuesday 29 April.

In fact, in some ways, measures already are underway, in the shape of a major project to build an undersea powerline between Spain and France.

The €3.1 billion project to build the 400km-long line in the Biscay Gulf between Gatika in Spain and Cubnezais in France is being overseen by INELFE (Electricity Interconnection France-Spain), a company set up after a 2015 agreement between the two countries.

Tsurumi KTZ415 pumps keep the tunnels dry: Hard rock up to 25 mm grain size in the water causes no problems PHOTO: BESSAC

Tunnel construction site at one of the two stations PHOTO: BESSAC

It involves four direct current (DC) cables in total, two per link, with a transmission capacity of 1,000 MW for each of the two links.

Once completed towards the end of 2028, it promises to improve the safety and stability of the electricity connection in the region and could help to prevent the sort of outages experienced in Spain and Portugal last week.

A total of 80km of cable will run underground from Cubnezais, followed

by 300km of submarine cable, and then another 13km of underground link to the converter station at Gatika. Once complete, it will increase the exchange capacity between the two countries by 5,000MW.

Specialist tunnelling and pipeline construction contractor Bessac, a subsidiary of Soletanche Bachy, is undertaking the work on the underground microtunnels and directed drilling. Cable-laying ships will lay the cables at sea. In general, the cables will be buried, except where the ground is too hard, in which case they will be covered.

PROGRESS BEING MADE

In France, work began in October 2023, with work on sites where the cables make landfall in progress in Porge, in Gironde, and Seignosse and Capbreton in Landes ongoing until 2026.

On the Spanish side, work started in Maruri-Jatabe and Lemoiz for the terrestrial sections at the end of 2024.

Once micro-tunnels are completed, pipes will be laid in the ocean and inland, before electricity and optical cables are rolled out in those pipes.

Earthworks are underway for converter stations in Cubzenais, France, and Gatika, Spain. A consortium between Vinci

Energies, Vinci Construction and Hitachi Energy are in charge of the design and construction of the converter stations.   Cable laying at sea should be completed in late 2027, ahead of the converter stations in 2028.

Japanese pump manufacturer Tsurumi said it will be supplying its KTZ415 pump, alongside other models, for dewatering in three tunnels along the route.

Designed for extreme conditions, the KTZ415 has a maximum flow rate of 1,980 litres per minute and a head of up to 55 metres. It features a hermetically sealed power supply and ultra-hard materials such as silicon carbide, meaning the pumps are safe to run dry. Tsurumi claims it has been used in almost every major tunnel project in Europe.

Currently, the interconnection capacity between Spain and France is among the lowest of all the European countries and remains well below the 15% interconnection target for 2030. While its construction has not come quickly enough to prevent last week’s extensive outage, it should mitigate against future power cuts when consumption is high or in case of a technical incident by allowing Spain to import electricity from France as required.

All the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that this does not happen again.”

The tunnels with a diameter of three metres are accessible PHOTOS: BESSAC

Tunnel construction site at one of the two stations that convert the direct current from the line into alternating current for the supply grids

STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

HIGH-RISE AND CRANES

While much of the world continues to build taller, Europe is charting its own course by embracing smart construction methods and refined systems to meet growing demand for high-rise development

While the majority of the world’s tallest buildings are constructed outside Europe, the demand for high-rise structures is steadily increasing across the continent. Historically, regions like China, the Middle East, and the US have dominated the skyline with massive towers, driven by rapid urbanisation and economic growth.

As the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) surveys the tall building landscape for 2025, the global picture reflects both a boom and a slowdown. A record

260 projects over 200 metres tall are currently on hold worldwide, with 192 of these in China, where tightened financing and real estate market challenges have stalled development. Yet despite these setbacks, China remains a dominant force, having delivered six of the ten tallest

Everything you need for your projects is right there with one login – no jumping between different applications.”

buildings completed globally in 2024. By comparison, Europe’s high-rise activity remains modest, with skyscrapers concentrated mainly in cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. However, this traditionally cautious approach to vertical construction is beginning to shift. Spurred by advances in falsework, formwork, and tower crane technologies, European contractors are now better equipped to tackle the complex logistical, safety, and efficiency challenges of building taller structures.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY

This shift is reflected in the growing adoption of advanced climbing and formwork systems, which were highlighted at Bauma in Munich, Germany, in April.

Jonas Hab, junior product application engineer at Peri, explained some of the advantages of the company’s Rail Climbing System (RCS).

He said the ability to link up to 64 platforms was a key factor in improving speed and efficiency across a wide range of projects.

“For example, in Frankfurt, on the Tower Four high-rise project, we only needed one hour to complete a climbing cycle. That’s incredibly fast – normally in Europe, it would take around half a day. Here, we only needed eight workers and one hour, and that was it. This really improves the workflow for our customers.”

Peri’s Rail Climbing System can be seen in action on the DC2 Tower project in Vienna, Austria PHOTO: PERI

Peri’s RCS is designed to enable the safe and efficient movement of climbing formwork – and recent updates have made it even more versatile. With the introduction of new solutions like RCS MAX Shaft, Peri says that it can now be used

Design shows the DC2 tower upon completion

PHOTO: S+B GRUPPE

economically on smaller projects too, allowing formwork to be moved in small to medium-sized shafts without the need for a crane or special components.

Hab added that the same system is now being used at the DC Tower 2 in Vienna, where the project is already three months ahead of schedule due to the speed of the climbing system. “Now, the slabs have actually become the bottleneck because they can’t keep up with how fast we’re climbing,” he said.

On the DC Tower’s exterior shaft, the team is also using Peri’s RCS Next system, which allows everything to climb hydraulically. “We have the driving

The DC Tower 2 site presented exceptional challenges due to its dense urban surroundings

PHOTO: PORR

rail and our pumps installed, so at each level we simply climb up hydraulically. After that, the hydraulic system disassembles, and all the other processes take place.”

EUROPE’S HIGH-RISE SCENE

Vienna might not be the first city that comes to mind when it comes to skyscrapers — places like London and Frankfurt have long dominated Europe’s high-rise scene. But Austria’s capital could be about to show them how it’s done.

The DC Tower 1, designed by French architect Dominique Perrault, stands at 250 metres, making it Austria’s tallest building. Now, its companion, DC Tower 2, is under construction nearby, further transforming Vienna’s skyline.

At 53 storeys and with five basement levels, the tower is being constructed on what is likely the deepest privatesector excavation in Vienna to date.

Built by Austrian contractor Porr, the site presented exceptional challenges due to its dense urban surroundings: flanked by DC Towers 1 and 3, hemmed in by major road networks, the U1 underground line, and just metres from the Wien Kanal.

The 22.7-metre-deep construction pit required an extensive range of specialist techniques, including diaphragm walls, jet grouting, dewatering, and low-pressure injections. Despite the complexity, Porr completed the specialised civil engineering works on schedule

THREE POTAIN CRANES CHOSEN FOR NEW LONDON SKYSCRAPER

Sir Robert McAlpine is utilising three Potain tower cranes from its fleet on the 2 Finsbury Avenue (2FA) development, located in London, UK. The 170-metre dual high-rise mixed-use building is scheduled for completion in 2027 and presents multiple unique challenges, including extreme working heights and limited access in the densely populated area.

The project features one MR 418 crane and two MR 225 A models. To accommodate the cranes within the footprint of the 2FA project, the MR 418 was installed on an elevated platform, while the other two were positioned on the 13th and 15th floors.

The lattice steel platform supporting the MR 418 is mounted on vertical legs that connect directly to the building’s piles, ensuring efficient load transfer. The installation phase required meticulous planning and specific connection points to attach the cranes to the building as construction progressed.

Equipped with Potain’s Cab-IN personnel elevator, the MR 418 can transport operators or technicians between the top and bottom of the crane. The project marks the first use of this elevator model by the company. All cranes arrived on-site in early August 2024 and will remain operational until mid-2025, lifting and positioning heavy loads such as steel components and elements for the roof.

between March 2022 and May 2023, with the entire project expected to finish in 2026.

High-rise projects of this scale are not limited to Austria, with similarly complex and ambitious towers taking shape elsewhere in Europe. In Karlskrona, Sweden, the NKT Tower 3 has been

WOLFFKRAN INTRODUCES WIRELESS CRANE CONTROL SYSTEM

Wolffkran has introduced Wolff Intuitive Control, a new wireless crane operation system designed to change how crane loads are managed. The system is intended to simplify crane operation by focusing control on the movement of the load rather than the crane’s individual axes.

Traditional crane operation requires the operator to convert intended load movements into separate commands for each crane axis, a process that typically demands considerable experience. It uses a Cartesian control system to allow the load to be moved directly in the intended direction, potentially reducing the complexity of crane manoeuvres.

completed at a height of 200 metres, making it the second-tallest tower in Scandinavia.

Built by Skanska, the structure will form part of what is expected to become the world’s largest high-voltage submarine cable manufacturing facility. The cables produced at the site will support renewable energy projects, including wind farms and solar parks.

WORKING AT HEIGHT

Two Liebherr tower cranes, a 542 HC-L 12/24 Litronic and a 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre, were used throughout the construction. Supplied from Liebherr’s rental fleet, the cranes supported the rapid build programme, which took place over a 90-day period. The cranes reached final working heights of 213 metres and 210 metres, respectively.

Liebherr’s Tower Crane Solutions (TCS) team also provided engineering support, including tie-in geometry calculations, structural loading data, and the design of tower bracing. Climbing steps and other operational aspects were pre-planned to suit the project’s schedule and structural demands.

Construction was carried out using a four-shift system, allowing for 24-hour activity.

On average, the structure rose by approximately 2.6 metres per day. The completed tower has a footprint of 23 by 23 metres and a total volume of 112,445 cubic metres – roughly equivalent to 45 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The project was delivered through coordinated work between Liebherr’s TCC and TCS teams, Skanska’s tower crane management, and Ekström Lyftkonsult

The system is operated via a wireless remote control, designed to be worn on the user’s hip or back, offering hands-free mobility. It also incorporates Wolff Cam, which provides a live view of the load. The control system can be used either as a standalone solution or alongside conventional cabin-based operation.

Wolff Intuitive Control is available as an option for new cranes and can also be retrofitted to existing equipment. According to the company, the system is designed to offer improved precision.

Two Liebherr tower cranes, a 542 HC-L 12/24

Litronic and a 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre, were used throughout the construction

PHOTO: LIEBHERR

AB, a local specialist consultancy.

STREAMLINED SOLUTIONS

As high-rise construction becomes faster, taller, and more complex, the pressure is growing for contractors and suppliers to deliver not just materials, but smart, streamlined solutions. Digital platforms, automation, and real-time data are no longer optional extras – they’re necessary tools for managing the scale and speed of modern building sites.

At Bauma, Doka demonstrated how it is addressing these challenges head-on with its new digital customer platform.

Peri’s Rail Climbing System PHOTO: PERI

“In many ways, how we interact with our customers is still a bit old school – a lot of phone calls, a lot of emails, a lot of paperwork being shuffled back and forth,”

Robert Hauser, CEO at Doka, explains. “We knew we needed to take this to the next level.”

That next level is Doka 360, a fully integrated platform where customers can manage every aspect of their projects digitally, from planning and ordering to tracking deliveries and managing materials on site.

Users, such as infrastructure site managers, log in to a personalised dashboard where they can view all active projects, track deliveries in real time, monitor material stock, and even handle returns.

“Everything you need for your projects is right there with one login — no jumping between different applications,” Hauser adds.

Doka 360 also integrates applications like DokaXact, which uses sensors embedded in formwork to measure concrete pressure and curing status. Alerts are pushed directly to the user’s dashboard, allowing real-time monitoring and faster decisionmaking on site.

Material management is similarly streamlined. “When materials are dispatched, en route, or delivered, the customer can see everything here,” Magdalena Auer, digital strategy and transformation manager at Umdasch Group says. In future updates, Doka plans to let users adapt the delivery of ordered items even after dispatch, giving customers

The cable tower in Karlskrona stretches 200 meters into the air and is the tallest structure cast using sliding mould technology in Sweden

even more control over the logistics flow.

The project wasn’t a quick turnaround. “It was a slow but massive effort,” Hauser explains. A task force from different departments came together to build the platform with Bauma in mind as the deadline.

“When you look into other industries, for example, take Amazon, it’s state-of-the-art,” Hauser says. “And we asked ourselves, why not create the same thing?”

And while retail platforms deal mainly

with simple purchases, Doka’s platform handles complex processes like rental agreements, projectspecific planning, and technical engineering – all within one system. Designed with user-friendliness at its core, Doka have UX experts in house with backgrounds in consumer digital products. “We really tried to make it as user-centric as possible,” Auer says.

A dedicated early access phase with selected partner companies in Germany and the US will begin in July 2025. The initial rollout in these markets is planned for 2026, with further countries to follow.

INCREASING SCALE

As contractors and manufacturers adapt to the complex logistical and engineering challenges of vertical construction, Europe is carving out a distinct high-rise identity – one defined not only by scale, but by innovation, precision, and efficiency. ce

HASSAN CENTENARY TERRACES PROJECT COMPLETED IN GIBRALTAR

The Hassan Centenary Terraces (HCT) project in Gibraltar, comprising 665 statesubsidised residential units, has reached completion as of early May.

The development consists of six highrise towers, constructed in two phases. Phase one included Towers 4, 5, and 6, while phase two involved Towers 1, 2, and 3. Tower 4, the tallest in the complex, stands at 35 storeys. Towers 5 and 6 differ in geometry and reach up to 26 storeys.

The project incorporated several technical requirements due to its coastal location and continuous need for crane availability. To address these challenges, Ulma provided a range of construction solutions.

Editor, Catrin Jones, hears more from behind the scenes at Doka’s booth

PHOTO: SKANSKA

The Doka 360 stand at Bauma 2025 PHOTOS: MITCHELL KELLER/KHL GROUP

At a time when Europe is facing some of its greatest challenges – from digital transformation to the green transition – the need for a skilled, resilient, and futureready workforce has never been more urgent. At the heart of this transformation are young professionals in consulting engineering who are not only adapting to change but helping to lead it. The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) is proud to support and celebrate these rising talents through its Future Leaders network and the annual Future Leaders Competition Awards.

This year, the competition drew 17 impressive entries from across Europe, each showcasing the innovation, creativity, and impact that young professionals are bringing to the built environment. Their work reflects a deep commitment to solving real-world problems, from sustainable infrastructure to smart buildings, and reminds us that the next generation of engineers is not just prepared for the future –they are actively shaping it.

This year’s top honour goes to Anders Reinertsen Liaøy from Norway, a 34-year-old mechanical engineer at Multiconsult. Anders impressed the jury with a technically robust and forward-thinking project focused on reducing CO₂ emissions in the built environment. His work stood out for its integration of engineering expertise, stakeholder collaboration, and technological innovation – a powerful response to Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.

ABOUT EFCA

Future Leaders in Engineering

As Europe faces urgent digital and green transitions, EFCA’s Future Leaders Competition highlights the young engineers leading the charge

■ In Digital & New Technologies, Simona Corrado, Technical Engineer –Control Room at Acquedotto Pugliese (Italy), developed an AI- and IoT-based system to detect leaks and ensure the continuity of drinking water supply, demonstrating both technical creativity and realworld impact.

■ In Impact on Climate & Biodiversity, Mara Franchi, Partner and Project Coordinator at 3TI Partnership (Italy), presented a large-scale river restoration project, reflecting global priorities in ecosystem resilience and natural landscape recovery.

■ In Excellence in Engineering, Cian Long, Senior Engineer for Bridges and Civil Infrastructure (Ireland), delivered a complex bridge construction project requiring aroundthe-clock coordination across international teams – an example of leadership and precision in action.

SHRINKING POOL

But for such momentum to continue, Europe must

Founded in 1992, EFCA has member associations in 28 European countries representing over 10,000 companies and more than one million staff in engineering and related services. It is the only federation to represent the engineering consultancy industry in Europe. www.efcanet.org

urgently address its growing skills gap. According to EFCA’s latest Barometer1, staff shortage is the number one challenge facing the consulting engineering sector today. Companies are struggling to find skilled personnel, a problem that is also contributing to rising labour costs – ranked as the third biggest concern. Engineering is particularly hit and our policy makers should also be concerned. Indeed, EFCA was present at a meeting with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in April, on the subject of the forthcoming High-Speed Rail Plan for Europe. The lack of skilled engineers in particular was noted by other industry stakeholders also at the meeting.

FRONTIER TECH

A key part of the solution lies in upskilling and reskilling our workforce. EFCA strongly supports the further development of digital skills for the EU’s existing workforce, while nurturing the digital competence inherent in children and young people. These are the skills that will allow our sector to embrace emerging technologies and maintain its role as a driver. We believe that this transformation must be supported by strong publicprivate collaboration. That means working in partnership

with industry to invest in lifelong learning, supported by pro-digital policies and education initiatives. The New European Bauhaus Academies offer a promising model. They should be made accessible to engineers and architects to enhance their digital capabilities and contribute meaningfully to sustainable, inclusive design. We are no longer talking about just designing with Building Information Modelling (BIM); “AI in their DNA” is rapidly becoming the sought-after profile of our final year engineering students.

EU’S WIDER EFFORTS

EFCA also applauds the EU’s broader efforts to build a stronger skills agenda, particularly through initiatives like the Pact for Skills2. As one of the flagship actions of the European Skills Agenda3, the Pact is a key step towards mobilising industry, facilitating trainings, and supporting public authorities to invest in the skills that Europe needs. Through the Future Leaders network, EFCA is committed to giving young professionals a platform to connect, share ideas, and grow. We see the Future Leaders not just as participants in our sector, but as its fuel for the future, ready to bring fresh thinking to old problems, as well as bringing new energy to a sector that is in the process of making rapid change. ce

TAKING CONSTRUCTION

THE NEXT LEVEL.

No matter what sector of construction you’re in, you’ll leave CONEXPO-CON/AGG with new ideas, new relationships, and new opportunities to grow your business, and your place within the industry. This isn’t just North America’s largest construction trade show, it’s taking construction to the next level.

COUNTRY REPORT GERMANY

After years of decline, early signs of stabilisation and a proposed €500bn infrastructure fund offer cautious hope, but do major hurdles remain?

After five years of stagnation, Germany’s construction industry is showing early signs of recovery. The sector, which was hit hard by the energy crisis, disrupted supply chains and a sharp decline in housing demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, may be about to turn a corner.

Speaking to Construction Briefing, Tim-Oliver Müller, managing director of the German construction association Bauindustrie, said, “It has been a painful few years for the construction industry in Germany.” His organisation represents around 2,700 of Germany’s mediumand large-sized construction companies, which together account for approximately €80 billion of the construction sector’s €165 billion in annual revenue.

The fallout from the Ukraine war exposed Germany’s dependency on Russian gas, contributing to a national energy crisis and fuelling inflation. As interest rates rose, the residential construction market suffered a sharp decline. In 2023 alone, residential construction fell by 11%, and key building materials became harder to procure as the sector’s reliance on lumber, screws, and crude oil from conflict-affected regions became clear.

Further disruption came in late 2024 when the ‘traffic light’ coalition government – an alliance of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Greens, named after their respective party colours – collapsed. The coalition, which had

The fallout from the Ukraine war exposed Germany’s dependency on Russian gas, contributing to a national energy crisis and fuelling inflation

While Germany’s construction sector is not yet in full recovery, the groundwork for a potential turnaround is being laid

STRABAG INCREASES ROLE IN GERMANY’S RENEWABLE GRID EXPANSION

Austria-based Strabag received a “threedigit-million-euro” contract for Germany’s SuedLink and SuedOstLink direct current underground power transmission energy expansion projects, pushing the firm’s total value on the combined scheme to more than €1.1 billion (US$1.13 billion).

German subsidiary Strabag AG – a technology group providing end-to-end services for the construction industry – was assigned the work.

On the SuedLink project, the company will carry out civil engineering works for a 34.5km section of transmission line from Gerstungen to Breitungen in the state of Thuringia.

In addition to the 34.5-kilometre section in Thuringia, work is also expected on a 70km in Lower Franconia and a section of about 100km in southern Lower Saxony in a joint venture with Köster Bau.

Strabag said it is also realising sections of the SuedLink corridor for provider TrasnetBW, with a total length of almost 205km.

For SuedOstLink, Strabag is building two sections of the corridor with a total length of around 120km: one section of around 82km in Upper Palatinate and another 38km section in Thuringia for client 50Hertz.

Strabag added, “The contracts mainly involve civil engineering and earthworks – in each case on an enormous and previously rarely achieved scale.

“The cut-and-cover works involve excavating and refilling the trenches for the guard tubes and empty conduits into which the DC cables will later be laid.

“Wherever it is necessary to cross obstacles such as roads, a trenchless technique, such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is used to lay the pipes underground without digging.”

The three grid operators – TransnetBW, TenneT and 50Hertz – plan to use the SuedLink and SuedOstLink direct current power corridors to transport renewable energy from northern and eastern Germany, in particular wind energy from the large wind farms offshore and along the coast, to the south of the country, Strabag said.

governed since 2021 under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, unravelled amid growing internal divisions, paralysing public procurement as parties negotiated a new governing arrangement.

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM

But there are now signs of cautious optimism. Permits for multi-storey residential buildings, which had been in continuous decline since 2022, have stabilised at a low level in early 2025. Recent data from the Federal Statistics Office shows a 3.4% year-on-year increase in building permits in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 55,400 permits were issued during this period, with March alone seeing a 5.8% increase compared to the same month last year.

Despite this modest uptick, the sector remains far below pre-crisis levels. Felix Pakleppa, managing director of the Zentralverband Deutsches Baugewerbe

(ZDB), commented, “This is not a turning point! We are still far from the level of three years ago: In 2021 and 2022, more than 90,000 residential units were approved in the first quarter of each year. Such a level is needed to cover an annual demand of well over 300,000 residential units in the long term.”

A potentially transformative development for the sector is the newly proposed €500 billion infrastructure fund backed by Germany’s incoming coalition government. The fund, made possible through a planned relaxation of the country’s borrowing rules, is intended to enhance competitiveness and address the long-standing underinvestment in public infrastructure.

Construction associations have welcomed the plan. “The fact is that dilapidated bridges, roads, railways and waterways as well as pipeline infrastructure in need of expansion, endanger the

PHOTOS: ADOBESTOCK

competitiveness of the German economy. We’ve been pointing this out for years,” said Müller.

As a reminder, the Rahmede Viaduct near Lüdenscheid, a critical section of the A45 motorway, was closed in 2021 due to severe structural damage, causing major traffic disruption in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Carola Bridge in Dresden collapsed in 2024, just minutes after a scheduled train passed over it, underscoring the urgent need for investment in ageing infrastructure.

“With the change in the geopolitical situation, military mobility is now coming more into focus and increasing the relevance of investments in infrastructure. The critical state of Germany’s civil infrastructure no longer only represents a significant burden economically, but unfortunately also in terms of security policy,” he added.

WHAT’S NEXT?

However, Müller stressed that while the announcement of the infrastructure fund has been greeted with enthusiasm, it remains a “declaration of intent.” In his interview with Construction Briefing, he cautioned, “A lot of journalists ask us now, well, you have the prospect of €500 billion being spent on infrastructure. Do we invest in new personnel, new machines, and so on? We always say no because it is a declaration of intent.”

For the fund to be effective, several prerequisites must be met. The government first needs to enact a federal law to get the money flowing into construction projects.

He also called for transparency from public sector clients such as Germany’s state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn and federal motorway company Autobahn, urging them to produce detailed reports on the state of their infrastructure across Germany’s 16 states. “In order for politicians to objectively decide what money goes into what sector, we say that all the public clients – whether it is Deutsche Bahn or Autobahn, and so on –need to come up with a transparent report on the condition of their infrastructure, broken down into the 16 German states,” he says.

Equally important is clarity on project readiness. “Do they have enough planned projects in the drawer, ready to go public tender? Or do they have to spend the next two to three years planning them?” he asked. Delays caused by Germany’s sluggish planning system remain a major concern. “The planning system has to be a priority. We say that addressing it has to be

part of a 100-day programme for the new government.”

TIMING IS CRITICAL

Even if the €500 billion fund is fully realised, Müller cautions that over a 12-year period the figure may not stretch as far as it first appears. Prioritisation and

efficient allocation will therefore be critical. His counterpart at ZDB, Felix Pakleppa, agrees. “Money alone is not enough. The processes have to become faster; the bottleneck is the planning and administrative system. Especially in infrastructure projects, planning and approvals take considerably longer than

PORR WINS CONTRACTS FOR MUNICH S-BAHN TUNNEL WORKS

Porr has secured two contract packages as part of the ‘VE 734 Haidenauplatz tunnel section’ for the Second Munich S-Bahn Trunk Line. The project, procured under Deutsche Bahn’s ‘Partnership Model for Rail’, aims to expand capacity on the city’s commuter network with a new 11-kilometre line running between Laim and Leuchtenbergring.

Porr’s Munich-based teams will deliver Rescue Shaft 9 and the Berg-am-Laim-Straße Crossing. The works include a 65-metre-long emergency shaft that will also serve as a launch site for tunnelling, as well as a 55-metre-long box girder crossing structure enabling traffic to pass over the tunnel alignment. Ground improvement, culvert installation, and structural elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings are also part of the scope.

In addition, Porr Groundwater Management (Austria) will handle dewatering and treatment operations, including the construction of vertical, inclined and horizontal wells, and infiltration basins.

The project is being delivered through a collaborative alliance model that encourages shared responsibility for cost, time, and quality outcomes.

Money alone is not enough. The processes have to become faster; the bottleneck is the planning system.”

Image of completed project

the construction itself. Authorities and planning offices must be expanded in terms of staff. This is the only way we can build the planned investments.”

Müller believes there is now greater political will to invest in infrastructure, driven by visible failures in public assets. “When I was growing up, or even when I started this job, I didn’t think it was possible that a bridge could collapse in Germany. But that is exactly what happened in Dresden, and it was so lucky that the last train of the day crossed the bridge just 18 minutes before it collapsed.”

ECONOMIC HEADWINDS

The country’s rail network has also faced criticism. “We had major bridges on the German Autobahn network that had to be closed, which caused major traffic problems,” he said, adding that declining punctuality in the rail sector reflects a broader deterioration in standards.

Economic headwinds remain a challenge. Trade disruptions, including those linked to US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, have had an indirect impact. “We see that huge projects like the new Intel chip factory [proposed for Magdeburg but delayed for at least two

years] are on hold. So, we have indirect effects. The latest predictions show that the economic damage of tariffs to Germany could be €200 billion over the next four years,” Müller said. Despite this, he remains cautiously

21 construction site for

optimistic. “We see positive effects not only from this new infrastructure fund but due to the fact that it should come in addition to the usual investments in the state budget.”

He added, “We have to maintain huge pressure on that. If it takes place as we hope, then our projections will be even more optimistic than today because for the first time it appears that the German government has realised how important the construction industry is, not only in terms of housing and social development, but also in terms of economic development.”

RETAINING SKILLED STAFF

A substantial rise in construction revenues is not expected this year, but growth could begin by 2026. Müller urged construction firms to retain skilled staff in preparation. “We know that we have a multiplier effect where every Euro spent in construction multiplies by 2.5 times in the private sector. We know that if we don’t invest in infrastructure that we lose our advantage as a business location. But also, as a major NATO country, if we were to have a crisis in eastern Europe, most NATO troops would assemble in Germany, and that is another reason for huge investment infrastructure.”

While Germany’s construction sector is not yet in full recovery, the groundwork for a potential turnaround is currently being laid. The stabilisation of building permits and the promise of a €500 billion infrastructure fund signal growing political recognition of construction’s role in economic resilience.

Yet optimism is tempered by structural challenges, including slow planning approvals, administrative bottlenecks, and global economic uncertainty. Whether these early signs of recovery can be sustained will depend not only on funding but on the decisive action to reform planning systems and enable the successful delivery of projects. For now, the industry remains in a holding pattern – cautiously hopeful but still waiting for a definitive shift. ce Germany’s Rahmede Viaduct had to be closed and then demolished in 2023 after damage to the structure were discovered. A new bridge is now under construction

PHOTO: AUTOBAHN

The bridge collapsed in the early hours of September 11, 2024 PHOTO: CITY OF DRESDEN

Stuttgart

new railway train station of Deutsche Bahn PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK

Doka GmbH | info@doka.com | www.doka.com /dokacom /company/doka /doka_international

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Asignificant number of Public Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts in the UK will reach their expiry phase over the next few years.

The UK was at the forefront in developing the public private partnership (PPP) concept for public services projects. The way the UK manages the expiry phase of those PFI contracts will be of wider interest to other jurisdictions which subsequently adopted a PPP model in the procurement and delivery of similar projects.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), which until recently was the UK government’s centre of expertise for infrastructure and major projects, has issued guidance on how the handover of those critical assets (such as schools, hospitals, roads, prisons and housing) from the private sector to public authorities should be managed.

GUIDANCE AVAILABLE

On 10 March 2025, the IPA, in one of its final acts before being replaced on 1 April 2025 by a new body called the ‘National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’ (NISTA), issued the “PFI Expiry Asset Condition Playbook” (Playbook). This followed IPA’s previous guidance for contracting authorities.

The purpose of the Playbook is to provide practical guidance on the recommended approach to the joint procurement of an asset condition survey. But it is the recommendation in Chapter 3 of the Playbook for the establishment of a “PFI Handback Dispute Avoidance Group” (Handback DAG) that is particularly innovative and worthy of further consideration.

The challenges that can arise during the expiry phase of PFI contracts were previously acknowledged in the Guidance. No doubt with those challenges in mind, the IPA has made the recommendation in

PFI Contracts: IPA urges innovative dispute strategy

As major UK PFI contracts near expiry, a new playbook outlines a fresh approach highlights Pinsent Masons

the Playbook for parties to set up a Handback DAG to assist specifically in the management of handback issues.

The IPA’s recommendation is an innovative one. It invites the parties to think creatively in their approach to dispute avoidance in the expiry phase. The purpose of the Handback DAG, according to the Playbook, is to assist in the management of handback issues such that disputes are avoided and any disagreements or differences of opinion that do occur are resolved as amicably and swiftly as possible.

The Playbook provides no further guidance on either the creation of the Handback DAG or its responsibilities, however. It is unclear what the relationship of the Handback DAG will be with the existing contract dispute procedures. It is also unclear whether the proposed Handback DAG is intended to be similar to those dispute avoidance boards.

DISPUTE PROCEDURES

The Playbook indicates that the proposed Handback DAG will be a newly created body, established in addition to existing contractual dispute processes in the PFI contract. PFI contracts commonly contain multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses. These clauses provide various steps for the parties to take to

resolve any dispute before commencing litigation or arbitration proceedings.

In the UK, parties to a construction contract have a statutory right to refer a dispute at any time to a third party (the adjudicator). Adjudication is a quick procedure leading to a decision which is binding until such time as the dispute is finally determined by legal or arbitration proceedings. The top-tier PFI contract (the Project Agreement) generally includes a contractual right to adjudicate even though it is excluded from the scope of the legislation.

The creation of a separate Handback DAG would be an innovation on those existing contractual resolution procedures. It would need to be separately constituted by agreement between the parties and its function, membership and responsibilities clearly established. Clarifying the relationship between the Handback DAG with the existing contractual dispute processes (including the contractual and/or statutory right to adjudicate) may prove challenging.

DISPUTE AVOIDANCE

The Handback DAG envisaged by the Playbook might be little more than an informally constituted group comprised of the parties’ representatives,

charged with the specific purpose of discussing (and diffusing) issues arising from the handback process. Alternatively, the Playbook may envisage an independent dispute avoidance board, like those now promoted in some industry standard form contracts.

FIDIC, in its 2017 forms, introduced a ‘Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board’ (or DAAB) which, as the name suggests, has a dual role. The DAAB is a standing board consisting of 1-3 members. As a dispute avoidance board, the DAAB can help the parties to resolve issues before they turn into formal disputes. Its role is to provide assistance and informally discuss, and attempt to resolve, any issue or disagreement that might arise during the performance of the contract. The DAAB’s decisions in the informal avoidance process are non-binding. It remains to be seen whether parties to PFI contracts will adopt the recommendation for a Handback DAG and, if so, what form it might take.

Given the lack of clarity in the Playbook around the constitution and responsibilities of the Handback DAG and its relationship with existing contractual dispute procedures, the industry will no doubt welcome further guidance from NISTA. ce

Bauma 2025 brought together the global construction industry in Munich for a week of international exchange, showcasing new technologies, and sustainability efforts

Bauma 2025, held from 7–13 April at Munich’s exhibition centre, Bauma 2025, is one of the major international events for the construction sector. With 3,601 exhibitors from 57 countries and around 600,000 visitors representing over 200 nations and regions, the trade fair provided a platform for innovation, collaboration, and strategic direction.

Amid ongoing global uncertainties, the event struck a notably optimistic tone, with industry leaders championing Bauma’s role in advancing sustainability, digitalisation, and future technologies.

From compact electric machines to carbon-absorbing concrete and autonomous loaders, the exhibition reflected a sector undergoing deep transformation. Despite a subdued European market outlook, Bauma delivered significant product launches, renewed political focus on the built environment, and fresh calls for diversification in global trade.

A NEW GENERATION

Equipment innovation remains Bauma’s centrepiece, and 2025 was no exception. Several OEMs used the show to unveil new excavators, couplers and concept machinery designed to meet evolving demands for sustainability, safety and transportability.

BOBCAT debuted its next-generation 1–2 tonne mini excavators, replacing its decade-old M-Series with the updated R2-Series: the E16, E17z, E19 and flagship E20z. Designed to remain under 2 tonnes for ease of trailer transport, the range brings updated hydraulics, lower emissions, and reduced noise levels. Notably, the E20z includes a fully enclosed cab – rare in this machine class – aimed at enhancing operator comfort, especially for rental and compact dealership markets.

KOMATSU pushed further into electrification, launching the PC20E, PC26E and PC33E electric mini excavators. All

three are tailored for the European market, offering zero-emissions operation and enough battery capacity for a full day’s work. Onboard charging and trailer-friendly design reinforce the company’s focus on versatility for urban and indoor use. Meanwhile, DEVELON unveiled its -9 Series heavy crawler excavators for the first time in Europe. The 23-tonne DX230LC-9 and 26-tonne DX260LC-9 incorporate the Smart All-Around Viewing Monitor (SAVM), which uses AI to detect nearby objects and alert operators through visual and audible warnings. The machines also include an Advanced Lift Assist system that monitors tipping risk in real-time, reflecting a broader industry shift toward proactive

Bobcat highlights new mini excavators

Develon’s crawler excavator on display

Trimble software on bulldozer

Hitachi’s LandCros One concept

Members of the Tobroco-Giant team at Bauma 2025

TOBROCOGIANT WINS COPYING LAWSUIT AT BAUMA

Chinese manufacturer Haihong was ordered to remove a compact wheeled loader from its stand at Bauma after a court ruled that it was a copy of Tobroco-Giant’s G2700 loader.

Tobroco-Giant, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of compact construction equipment, said it had “secured an important legal victory” during Bauma, with a German court ruling that Shandong Haihong Heavy Industry had displayed a copy of its G2700 loader “and must immediately remove their machine from the exhibition grounds”.

Tobroco spotted the machine on Tuesday at the show and engaged a lawyer the same day. The Chinese OEM was approached and by Wednesday it had covered the machine and then removed it completely before the show opening on Thursday.

safety systems.

HITACHI chose Bauma to reveal its excavator concept, LandCros One, developed in collaboration with automotive design house Granstudio. The machine represents a design-led vision of future construction equipment, focusing on enhanced user experience and operational intuitiveness.

In the attachments and couplers space, STEELWRIST introduced several new products including the SQ40 automatic quick coupler system – compatible with the S40 interface and designed for mini excavators up to 6 tonnes. With no need for welding and the ability to change hydraulic tools from the cab, the SQ40 promises efficiency without compromising compatibility. Also on show were the new XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotators, a tree shear and a compact multi grapple.

TOPCON expanded its range with a new handheld solution, the CR-H1, designed for field professionals capturing highresolution 3D point clouds. Running on iPhone devices with integrated LiDAR, the system connects to a Topcon HiPer CR receiver to provide georeferenced data, streamlining site verification, surveying and documentation tasks – without requiring a tripod or extensive training.

INNOVATION RECOGNISED

Presented on the eve of the exhibition, the Bauma Innovation Awards 2025 highlighted industry breakthroughs in five core categories: climate protection, digitalisation, machine technology, construction and research.

■ Climate Protection: ProCarbonCure by ROTHO allows deep CO₂ sequestration into concrete using a closed curing process, reducing carbon footprints and offering a method to offset hard-to-avoid cement emissions.

■ Digitalisation: Liebherr Autonomous Operations enables wheel loaders to carry out repetitive tasks autonomously via a web interface, freeing human operators to focus on more complex operations.

■ Machine Technology: Herrenknecht’s Tunnel Enlargement System facilitates the expansion of existing railway tunnels while keeping train services running.

■ Construction: Adam Hörnig Baugesellschaft’s new bridge method, developed with Peri, uses in-situ slab casting without superstructure penetration, shortening construction cycles and improving durability.

■ Research: MAXX, developed by Germany’s Centre Construction Robotics, is a semi-automated refurbishment

Topcon expands range with new hand held solution

platform for energy-efficient retrofits, requiring minimal human input.

ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

The fair also hosted the launch of the CECE 2025 Economic Report, which confirmed that 2024 was one of the industry’s toughest years since the global financial crisis. European equipment sales dropped 19% year-on-year, surpassing even the COVID-related dip in 2020.

Tower cranes were worst affected, falling 45%, followed by a 22% drop in earthmoving equipment, 20% in concrete equipment and 16% in road machinery. Only Italy and Spain offered positive regional outlooks. The CECE noted that northern and western markets, especially Germany, France, the UK and the Nordics, bore the brunt of the downturn.

However, the report suggested that stabilisation in 2025 would be a “positive outcome”, and there were early signs that order volumes may be picking up.

The report also raised alarms about growing trade fragility. With the US now accounting for 28% of European OEM exports, CECE warned that recently announced import tariffs by President Donald Trump could seriously affect market access. CECE president Jose Antonio Nieto and economic affairs manager Sebastian Popp called for greater export diversification, pointing to emerging opportunities in Latin America (via the EU-Mercosur agreement) and in India, despite its protectionist stance.

Steelwrist launched the SQ40

Construction Europe selects just some of the photos taken to give you a glimpse into the world’s largest construction equipment trade show

Attendees entering on day one of the show

PHOTOS:

KHL

Peri’s stand featured several of their falsework and formwork

Hitachi presented its expanding zeroemission range with the ZE300H2

Bomag presented a concept study of a battery-powered single drum roller for the first time

Hitachi also presented the ZE 135 from zero-emission range

A view of just one of the outdoor arenas at Bauma 2025 PHOTO: BAUMA

Wirtgen Group announced a number of world premieres at Bauma PHOTO: ERVIN BEDELI/KHL

Komatsu’s giant PC7000 was one of the first things you saw as you exited the indoor exhibitors

OEM giant Caterpillar’s stand theme focused on celebrating 100 years

PHOTO: ERVIN BEDELI/KHL

A Bauma visitor tests out a simulator at the Komatsu stand

PHOTO: ERVIN BEDELI/KHL

Sennebogen presented its material handling machines and crane solutions

Volvo CE launched the A30 electric at the show PHOTO: ERVIN BEDELI/KHL

Drilling company Bauer welcomed visitors to ‘Bauer City’

The Liebherr stand showcased a range of equipment from cranes to wheeled loaders PHOTO: BAUMA

THE UK’S LIVE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT EVENT

PlantWorx is where the industry comes together to experience the latest innovations in construction machinery and emerging technologies.

Construction leaders, buyers, operators and leasing companies meet to explore cutting-edge solutions from manufacturers and innovators across equipment, technology and auxiliary services available to UK buyers.

plantworx.co.uk info@plantworx.co.uk

PlantWorx

As Europe pushes forward with green and digital goals, construction must adapt. EU initiatives like the Pact for Skills, Union of Skills, and Construction Blueprint 2 aim to equip the workforce with the skills needed for a sustainable, competitive future

FIEC

Brussels, Belgium.

Tel: +32 2 514 55 35; e-mail: info@fiec.eu www.fiec.eu

@FIEC_Brussels

FIEC EU

Recognised “Sectoral Social Partner” (employers)

Improving skills for the construction industry in Europe

As Europe accelerates its green and digital transitions, the construction industry must adapt to new technologies, sustainability demands and workforce shortages. Addressing these challenges requires strategic investments in skills and training. Two major EU initiatives, the Pact for Skills and the Union of Skills are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that Europe’s construction workforce has necessary skills for the future.

PACT FOR SKILLS IN CONSTRUCTION

Launched in February 2022 by FIEC, EFBWW, and EBC, the Pact for Skills in Construction is a key initiative under the European Skills Agenda that brings together public and private actors to invest in training, upskilling, and reskilling. Its main objective is to ensure that training programs align with the industry’s needs, particularly in the areas of circular economy, energy efficiency, and digitalisation. The goal is to train at least 30% of the workforce annually by 2030.

As reaffirmed in the Union of Skills Communication in 2025, the European Commission emphasises the Pact’s role in supporting strategic sectors. The Pact is aligned with major EU strategies, such as the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Preparedness Union Strategy, reinforcing its significance for the future of the construction workforce.

UNION OF SKILLS

On 5th March, the European

Commission published a Communication on the Union of Skills. This initiative was announced in July 2024 by President von der Leyen when she presented her priorities for the next European Commission. The initiative is built around four key strands that are building skills for quality jobs; upskilling and reskilling; circulating skills with the free movement of people across the EU; and attracting, developing and retaining talent. This keeps the issue of skills at the core of the EU policies.

While the construction industry faces a lack of attractiveness and labour and skills shortages, the Union of Skills will provide several solutions. First of all, this initiative aims to increase the attractiveness, excellence and inclusiveness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) through a European Strategy for VET expected for 2026. To facilitate and increase the mobility of workers and learners across the EU, the European Commission will improve the recognition of qualification (through the Skills Portability Initiative) and strengthen Erasmus+. Finally, the Union of Skills will be a lever to new investments in education and skills.

CONSTRUCTION BLUEPRINT 2

Building on the success of the first project, Construction Blueprint 2 is a four-year Erasmus+ project coordinated by Fundación Laboral de la Construcción in Spain. The initiative brings together a consortium of 20 partners,

The Union of Skills will provide several solutions.”

including universities, training centres and social partners working to develop and implement a strategy that will address the emerging skills needs in the construction industry, with a particular focus on digitalisation, green skills, and new technologies. A core objective of Construction Blueprint 2 is to create a long-term strategy for skills development that integrates sustainability, digitalisation and energy efficiency into construction training. By improving cooperation between education providers and industry stakeholders, the project helps ensure that training programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving market landscape.

Initiatives like the Pact for Skills, the Union of Skills and Construction Blueprint 2 are not only addressing the issue of labour shortages but also ensuring that the construction workforce has the adequate skills for the future. Collaboration between the public and private sectors for further investments in upskilling, reskilling, and mobility will be essential to ensure that the sector remains competitive and attractive in the future. ce

The global regulatory landscape is undergoing an unprecedented surge in legal obligations that significantly impact Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) efforts to make compliant construction equipment available worldwide.

Major markets, like the European Union, the United States and China, are expanding their chemical control laws, while other regions and countries are introducing new restrictions. Furthermore, with the recently introduced regulatory requirements, the scope broadens beyond commonly known chemical safety rules, introducing new concepts such as tracking and reporting certain substances and materials, implementing and adhering to extended producer responsibility laws and life cycle assessment reporting standards.

RAPID DEVELOPMENT

In Europe, the approach to material disclosure is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing demands for transparency regarding the substances present in products. Currently, the industry employs a variety of data formats and material declaration methods with varying levels of detail, but these are fragmented approaches with significant inefficiencies. Non-harmonised practices result in repetitive data collection efforts, raising costs and straining resources, and increasing the risk of accidental non-compliance throughout the supply chain. Relying on snapshot compliance statements –which reflect the currently regulated substances at a given moment in time – leads to further repetitive work as suppliers must frequently refresh material content information for individual articles, often multiple times per year with every update of regulations for each of their downstream partners.

CECE position on Full Material Disclosure

Expanding global regulations now demand stricter chemical controls, substance tracking, and life cycle assessments. How can manufacturers keep up?

Addressing these issues requires additional resources and a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the industry’s compliance risks. Today, substance compliance demands detailed raw material composition information that goes well beyond the current level of information typically provided by suppliers. Construction equipment manufacturers believe the most efficient way to comply with current and future legal requirements is through Full Material Disclosure (FMD), i.e., the process of providing detailed information about all materials, chemicals, mixtures and substances used in a product. This position paper aims to clarify the key objectives of FMD and outlines a common blue dot for implementing a proportionate FMD approach within the construction equipment sector.

THE NEED FOR FMD

Effective substance management ideally includes all materials. However, manufacturers of components are generally only disclosing currently regulated substances in scope for the construction equipment industry. The main focus is on the reporting of Substances of Very High Concern (SHVC) under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals)1, the EU’s regulatory framework for chemical substances. It is expected that, as a minimum, component and material

suppliers disclose those substances that are regulated under REACH to meet the EU regulatory goals and to allow economic operators in the EU – meaning construction equipment manufacturers and importers – to fulfil their legal obligations.

Regulated substances under REACH serve as a starting point, as regulatory expansion towards other regulations, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), is also expected. Upgrading to FMD aims to go beyond just current regulatory compliance, addressing broader environmental, health, and sustainability goals whilst improving efficiency and velocity within supply chains. Suppliers should not only report the use of regulated materials but also provide full transparency into their product composition.

Implementing an appropriate FMD offers a solution to proactively manage compliance in supply chains, from material and component manufacturers down to OEMs and is an effective way of data collection for newly requested components and materials when incorporated in part approval programs. Making FMD a prerequisite in the approval process will improve the capability of manufacturers of finished goods to quickly react to proposed and changed substance regulations worldwide and relieve suppliers of the burden to

constantly refresh and upgrade their provided information.

The knowledge of the substances present in a component that FMD facilitates can assist in determining the scope and cause of action (e.g., due diligence, extended producers’ responsibility) for other pieces of legislation.

OUR POSITION

CECE advocates for a Full Material Disclosure within the construction equipment manufacturing industry, disclosing the full spectrum of substances used in any given article. For construction equipment manufacturers in the EU, FMD will play a crucial role in dealing with the growing demand for material transparency concerning the presence of substances in products and compliance with the rapidly evolving environmental and health standards. CECE members and their suppliers are encouraged to join efforts to implement an appropriate FMD into their part approval processes. ce

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WHERE? Manchester, UK

WHEN? 2030

DID YOU KNOW? The new stadium will be one of the tallest structures in Manchester and the second-largest football stadium in Europe

Stadium features umbrella harvesting energy and rainwater

Manchester United Football Club in the UK has confirmed its intention to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium in the Old Trafford area, close to where the current stadium is located.

In a statement on its website, Manchester United said that the stadium and wider regeneration project had the potential to deliver an additional £7.3 billion (€8.5 billion) per year to the UK economy. It was

also claimed that the new stadium could lead to the creation of 92,000 new jobs, as well as driving an additional 1.8 million visitors annually.

United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the plans showed a “truly state-of-theart stadium” that could be a “catalyst” for change.

Ratcliffe tried to tie the planned new stadium into UK government’s wider policy agenda, saying, “The government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance.”

GOVERNMENT MONEY

Ratcliffe has previously said that government money would be needed for the regeneration scheme, but not for the construction of the stadium itself. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that the government would

support funding the regeneration of the area. Manchester United are in debt by approximately £1 billion (US$1.2 billion).

Foster + Partners is the architect that has drawn up the initial plans. Lord Norman Foster, the company’s founder and executive chairman, said, “The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.

“The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature. It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future –driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.”

Opened in 1910, Old Trafford is one of the largest stadiums in England, with a capacity of 74,000, but Manchester United’s home ground has been in a state of disrepair for some years.

ce

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To many people’s minds, the idea of lush green fields and hard black asphalt couldn’t be more at odds – nature and infrastructure, two colliding worlds.

But it’s fitting that Jason Ambroson, vice president and co-managing director of John Deere-owned Wirtgen International, sees a parallel between the two, and one that spells a promising future for the road construction machinery the company specialises in.

“Talking in John Deere terms, roads are similar to a crop,” Ambroson contends. “Once they have been put down, they need replacing and maintaining over time, which is where our expertise comes in.”

Road construction and road maintenance are essential the world over, regardless of how well developed the local network happens to be, explains Ambroson, who looks like he could well have been a high school athlete back when he attended school in America.

He has been with John Deere for 20 years, based in the US and Singapore, and has travelled extensively in his various roles before being offered the role of co-managing director of Wirtgen International (which he shares with Frank Betzelt) and moving with his family to Germany in 2023.

BUILDING AND REPLACING

As the population in the southern hemisphere grows, so new roads need to be constructed. But in established markets where extensive road networks already exist, they need to be replaced at least as quickly.

“Most markets in the world have underinvested in maintaining their existing roads. And it’s exciting to talk about places like Brazil where, depending on how you measure it, around 13-15% of the roads are paved, compared to 65-75% in North America.”

The market potential of the humble road, then, is still enormous. And Ambroson sees Wirtgen’s role as providing machines that make the process easier, more cost effective, while reducing the environmental impact.

“How do we do things more efficiently,

Wirtgen International vice president and managing director

Jason Ambroson speaks with sister publication International Construction’s Andy Brown

using less new material through recycling materials, and at a lower cost? We see this as an extremely exciting space in the long term,” Ambroson tells Construction Briefing at the Bauma exhibition in Germany.

Even in the face of fears of a global recession, the perennial need for roads meant that Wirtgen’s customers were showing a strong interest in new machinery at the show.

“We thought a lot of customers would be excited to be here at Bauma but with the economic uncertainty in the news, we didn’t know if the excitement would translate into sales,” says Ambroson. “But people are still purchasing equipment here at a very high rate and are still bullish. We’ll see how it plays out, but it has felt very encouraging.

“The percent of GDP spent on infrastructure may vary from region to region but it is pretty consistent, so that leads to some stability overall. And then our global footprint covers more than 100 markets around the world. Some are up, some are down, but in general it’s a lot of large numbers.”

When asked about potential growth markets for Wirtgen Group – which includes Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven and Ciber – he highlights minerals as a sector that they are targeting.

TECHNOLOGY AIMED TO APPEAL

Wirtgen has developed digital technologies and assisted automation functions on its machines that can help in “almost every market”, Ambroson contends and he highlights the skilled worker shortage around the world as a huge opportunity for

these technologies to come to the fore.

Regarding autonomous features and assist features, he says they now have smart functions that are in communication with the overall system and everything is working together harmoniously. He also added that, “Ultimately, at some time in the future, I believe some products will be fully autonomous in the right environments.”

Ambroson – who comes across as softly spoken, courteous and highly driven – does add that, as well as offering technology options, it’s just as important to have a range of machines at the right price point in the right market. In this regard, the company is better positioned to meet customer demands than it ever has been, he argues.

“You’ve got markets that are still developing, and we’ve got a tiered portfolio of products so that we can meet

The Wirtgen Group has a comprehensive road construction product lineup

The percent of GDP spent on infrastructure may vary from region to region but it is pretty consistent, so that leads to some stability overall.”

each customers’ needs today better than we have in the past in terms of the right product at the right price point,” he says.

The OEM is also working hard to provide customers with ways to reduce CO2 emissions. It offers what he claims is the first fully electric road rehabilitation system on the market for jobs where clients demand no more diesel emissions.

But he also acknowledges that emissions from the tailpipe of construction machines make up only a small percentage of the total CO2 emissions involved in road projects.

“Battery electric machines are an important part of the future but to really impact CO2, we are going to have to be looking at things like what we are doing with hydrogen burner technology.”

Wirtgen’s sister brand Benninghoven has developed what it claims is the world’s first burner for road construction that runs on

100% green hydrogen – it total it can run with four different fuels at the same time – allowing customers to produce asphalt with “virtually no emissions”.

Wirtgen argues that one of the biggest levers when it comes to making road construction more sustainable is asphalt production, with low-temperature asphalt, increased recycling rates for reclaimed asphalt, and hydrogen-burner technology all having a role to play.

“We are uniquely positioned from a production system standpoint to be able to provide all the main equipment and digital tools you need: To rehabilitate a road including asphalt production and have those machines work together in a co-ordinated way to minimise the overall environmental impact,” Ambroson says.

COMPLEMENTARY RELATIONSHIP

It is nearly eight years since John Deere acquired the Wirtgen Group for an estimated €4.6 billion (US$5.3 billion), in June 2017.

Ambroson sees the tie-up between the two brands as being highly beneficial, not least because there is no product overlap between them.

“They both fill gaps in customers’ needs with each other. From our standpoint here [in Europe], you see that some John Deere products like wheeled loaders and motor graders are a natural fit for our distribution channels.”

The scale of the combined companies also brings efficiencies. As one example, both John Deere and Wirtgen machines use the same GPS receivers, Ambroson points out.

But the relationship also allows Wirtgen to maintain a level of flexibility and independence. “John Deere is an old and very large company, with a pretty centralised approach. A lot of its thought process is driven towards process efficiency. Wirtgen is a very agile business that has acquired several business over the years and only integrated the parts that need to be integrated,” he explains.

“I think both businesses have learned a little and have taken a little bit from each other. For example, in the Americas, we leverage John Deere’s parts distribution network. It’s vast, it’s got all sorts of horsepower. It’s a no-brainer,” he says emphatically.

“We have the ability to look at the opportunities that Deere brings to the table, but then also we have the autonomy in our business to decide what we bring in and apply because it will be helpful to our customer base and our dealer base, without being dictated to.” ce

Wirtgen International vice president and managing director Jason Ambroson

PHOTO: WIRTGEN INTERNATIONAL

ALL

PHOTOS: WIRTGEN Wirtgen had one of the biggest stands at Bauma Munich

Concrete machinery manufacturers are stepping up with smarter, greener solutions – from battery-electric pumps to sensor-driven autonomous plants

Concrete remains one of the most widely used construction materials globally, with demand supported by continued infrastructure, commercial and residential development.

From batching and mixing to placement and finishing, machinery plays a central role in delivering consistency and productivity. Performance is now increasingly driven by advanced control systems, energy-efficient engineering and integrated data solutions.

In response, equipment manufacturers are introducing technologies that enhance output while also meeting evolving environmental standards and regulatory requirements.

SUSTAINABILITY ON DISPLAY

At Bauma Munich in April, companies in the concrete equipment sector showcased a wide range of new technologies designed to meet the dual demands of productivity and sustainability. Among the developments was a battery-electric concrete pump truck presented by Volvo Trucks, in collaboration with Putzmeister. The vehicle, described as one of the largest of its kind, features a 42-metre reach and is designed for zero-exhaust emission operation. It is set to be delivered to the Swedish construction firm Swerock. Unlike traditional concrete pump trucks that require a diesel engine to remain running during operation, resulting in both

PUTZMEISTER/VOLVO

emissions and noise, the battery-electric model can travel up to 50 kilometres and pump around 50 m³ of concrete without recharging.

For longer operational demands, a Combined Charging System (CCS2) with either 63 A or 32 A can be installed on-site. This system allows the truck to continue pumping while recharging, thereby minimising downtime and increasing overall efficiency.

Volvo Trucks has previously introduced electric concrete mixers and other heavyduty construction applications. Speaking of the launch, Christoph Fitz, head of sales for Volvo Trucks in Germany, stated that the development was part of a broader strategy to expand electric solutions for the construction sector in partnership with manufacturers such as Putzmeister.

The new truck is positioned as part of Volvo’s wider offering of fully electric systems for concrete handling, encompassing transport, mixing, and pumping operations. It reflects growing interest in end-to-end electrification of construction sites, particularly in urban environments where emissions restrictions are tightening.

HYBRID FLEXIBILITY

Other concrete pumps launched at the show included Schwing’s S 43 SX hybrid truck-mounted concrete pump, developed to address both efficiency and environmental concerns amid evolving regulatory conditions in European cities. One example is the potential restriction of conventional vehicles in central Stockholm from January 2025, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner equipment alternatives.

The S 43 SX hybrid combines conventional pumping capabilities with hybrid drive technology, allowing it to operate either via a traditional diesel engine or by connecting to a site’s electrical power supply. The dual-mode system supports zero-emission operation where required and enables adaptability across

PHOTO:

The 42-metre reach of Putzmeister and Volvo Trucks battery-electric concrete pump is designed for zero-exhaust emission operation

various construction environments.

The machine features an optimised drive system that adjusts pump performance based on operational needs. In electric mode, a dedicated motor powers the pump independently of the diesel engine, helping to maximise the use of available electrical energy. When operating in diesel mode, the system’s power management capabilities are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, meeting the needs of contractors working across both regulated and unrestricted sites.

FORMALISING SUSTAINABILITY

At the recent trade show in Munich, it became clear that sustainability is now a key focus for the concrete equipment industry. Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to develop methods of working that minimise environmental harm while meeting high-performance expectations.

For Italian manufacturer CIFA, part of the Zoomlion group, this focus was formalised in 2023 with the publication of its first corporate sustainability report. The document outlines both existing initiatives and future objectives in relation to environmental responsibility, social accountability, and economic performance.

Schwing’s S 43 SX hybrid combines conventional pumping capabilities with hybrid drive technology

In its report, CIFA addresses key industry challenges, including workplace safety and the high carbon footprint associated with concrete production. The company highlights how it is using technological innovation to reduce emissions and improve health and safety across its operations and product range.

CEO Davide Cipolla commented on the report, stating that CIFA is “committed to leading the transformation of the sector” and “promoting sustainability values throughout the industry.” He also noted that while such reporting is not yet mandated by EU directives, CIFA sees it as an opportunity to drive innovation and long-term improvement.

MODULAR SOLUTIONS

Another recent development from the industry came from Liebherr, which launched its latest mobile concrete mixing plant, the Mobilmix 4.0, positioning it as part of a broader shift towards modular, efficient equipment.

The new generation plant is designed for flexibility in setup and transport, offering concrete output rates of up to 170 m³ per hour with mixer sizes ranging from 2.5 to

CEMEX INVESTS IN ELECTRIC MIXERS ACROSS ITS EMEA OPERATIONS

Cemex is continuing to scale up the decarbonisation of its supply chain in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) through the introduction of additional electric ReadyMix trucks. The global building materials supplier has expanded its fleet following initial rollouts in Germany and the UAE in 2023.

Electric mixer trucks are now also operational in France, Poland, the Czech Republic and Spain, with further expansion underway in Germany. The company has added seven more electric vehicles to its German fleet so far.

According to Cemex, the electric mixers are capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 100% compared to conventional diesel-powered models. In addition to their emissions performance, the trucks operate with lower noise levels, which the company says provides benefits in urban areas by reducing disruption to local communities and other road users. The vehicles are also fitted with modern safety technologies and can transport similar volumes of materials as traditional mixers.

Matthew Wild, EMEA VP for Supply Chain and Procurement, said, “Transport is one of the key areas where Cemex strives to reduce its CO2 emissions, which is why we are investing in and implementing electric mixers across our EMEA operations.

“These trucks incorporate renewable energy sources, which enables us to provide more sustainable solutions.”

PHOTO: SCHWING

CIFA says it is the first in its sector to voluntarily publish a report detailing its sustainability efforts

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT OF CIFA REPORT

4.0 m³. Built from a modular kit system, Liebherr says that the Mobilmix 4.0 allows for shortened delivery and assembly times, with the modules pre-wired and preassembled at the factory. The approach eliminates the need for traditional foundations and requires only a level surface for installation.

In addition to this, module dimensions have been optimised to remain within standard transport limits. In terms of resource efficiency, the plant incorporates frequency converters to regulate drive systems and reportedly reduces energy use by up to 30%. Liebherr says that the systems also contribute to dosing precision with cement savings of up to 8 kg per cubic metre of concrete cited in standard operating scenarios.

The modular concept allows different mixer systems, including double-shaft and ring-pan options, to be installed on the same base platform. Optional components such as aggregate silos and winter cladding can also be integrated,

THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL DEAL: WHAT DOES IT SIGNAL FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETE SUPPLY CHAINS?

The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal (CID), announced in early 2025, sets a strategic course for decarbonising heavy industry while maintaining economic competitiveness.

The CID aims to create a regulatory environment that supports low-carbon innovation across sectors like cement and concrete. Industry body Cembureau welcomed the initiative, recognising its alignment with the cement sector’s net-zero ambitions. The European cement industry has already advanced in developing cleaner processes and technologies, but the successful rollout of these innovations hinges on stronger policy support.

While the CID confirms commitment to tools like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a key component to preventing carbon leakage, gaps still remain. Notably, the plan lacks a strategy for CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, which is essential for enabling carbon capture at cement plants.

The industry body is also concerned about the limited scale of financial support. The proposed Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is a step forward, but its focus on coordinating existing funds may fall short of the rapid deployment needed.

For the concrete supply chain, the CID does not directly mandate changes but sets in motion trends that will impact the industry. Reforms to public procurement, the Construction Products Regulation, and the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive are expected to drive demand for low-carbon, circular construction materials, shaping choices around concrete mixes, sourcing, and potentially, equipment.

Liebherr’s Mobilmix 4.0 was showcased for the first time in Munich, Germany

The plant was selected by Edilpavimentazioni, a contractor operating across northern Italy, to support production while addressing environmental concerns specific to the area

offering further adaptability for contractors working in variable climates or high-output environments.

AUTONOMOUS INNOVATION

Continuing the theme of modularity and operational efficiency, SBM Mineral Processing is working on new systems that take automation a step further.

As part of a pilot project, SBM is collaborating with an operating company and software specialists in the concrete sector to develop solutions that will enable autonomous operation of individual process stages or entire mixing plants, including upstream material logistics.

Here too, the focus is on reducing the workload of responsible personnel, particularly that of the mixing engineer, during routine operations and off-peak times. In further development phases, the already largely automated production will be optimised via comprehensive sensorbased monitoring of raw materials and the mixing process. SBM highlights that this will make it possible to adjust concrete recipes at short notice.

As a first step, autonomous concrete delivery to various vehicles based on pre-ordered recipes has now been implemented, says SBM. Once a truck mixer or tipper is correctly positioned under the delivery hopper, the driver initiates the delivery. Special sensors in the hopper monitor the smooth filling of the concrete batches.

Once the delivery vehicle exits the area and the passage is secured, the mixer and hopper are automatically washed or at a pre-set interval. Sensors monitor the swivelling range of the cleaning hopper, and once cleaning is complete, the passage is reactivated via a barrier.

‘FIRST OF ITS KIND’ LOW CARBON AND CEMENT RATINGS SYSTEM LAUNCHED

A low carbon ratings (LCR) system for cement and concrete – said to be the first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints – has been launched by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).

The ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using an AA to G scale.

Inspired by appraising schemes such as the EU’s Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple and adaptable tool that helps builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers make more informed and sustainable choices.

“Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life – from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever,” said Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA.

“Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation.”

The ratings system is designed to be easily recognisable – with a visual graphic that clearly indicates a product’s rating. The carbon rating system for cement and concrete provides consistency and comparability. Countries can adopt the global ratings as they are or adapt them if local carbon accounting differs from global norms.

Guillot added that he hoped that, with this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process.

SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Elsewhere, manufacturers are responding to increasing demand for concrete and asphalt mixing equipment that supports environmental compliance without compromising output. One such example is a recent installation of Ammann’s ABA 210 UniBatch plant near Lake Levico in northern Italy – a location noted for its ecological value and protected status.

The plant was selected by Edilpavimentazioni, a contractor operating across northern Italy, to support production while addressing environmental concerns specific to the area. The unit includes a second-generation RAH50 dryer designed to enable higher use of recycled asphalt (RAP) while controlling emissions through indirect heating. The system allows for gradual heating of reclaimed material, which helps reduce CO₂ emissions and limits the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Another feature, the Blue Smoke Treatment (BST) system, captures fumes during the truck loading process. These

are filtered and redirected through a heat recovery process, with the aim of minimising energy consumption and reducing odour and emissions on site. According to the operator, this has supported compliance in a location where both tourism and environmental protections are priorities.

The facility also uses a digital control system to monitor energy and material consumption in real time, allowing adjustments to optimise resource use and reduce waste. The deployment reflects a broader industry trend towards mixing technologies that can be adapted for use on environmentally sensitive sites, as producers balance output requirements with tightening sustainability standards.

As shown through recent launches, manufacturers are stepping up with practical solutions that reflect both the urgency of climate goals and the realities of construction work. Whether through electric trucks, hybrid systems, or smarter modular plants, these developments suggest the industry is ready to adapt. ce

PHOTO: AMMANN

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT

In the last decade, most heavy equipment Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have invested significant sums of money in developing machines that run on batteries, hydrogen, alternative and low carbon fuels.

For now, battery electric technology beats them all by virtue of the fact that grid power is available almost everywhere. And – even when grid power is unavailable – many OEMs offer mobile charging solutions.

By contrast, the infrastructure for hydrogen is still in its infancy, and creating solar or wind power to generate hydrogen is necessary to make this fuel legitimately zero carbon. Other alternative fuels are still niche and offer only marginal improvements in CO2 reduction.

Electric power, in addition to being widely available, is much less expensive than diesel for an equivalent amount of work and produces much less CO2

APPLICATION ADVANTAGES

Addressing climate change is the biggest reason for choosing battery electric over diesel, says Fredrik Tjernström, electromobility solutions sales manager at Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE). Climate change aside, battery electric machines also prove essential in a variety of scenarios where an internal combustion/ fossil fuel powered machine

TJERNSTRÖM,

might be problematic.

“You get rid of the NOx and the particulate emissions, which immediately affects the people around you whether it’s the citizens in a city or the workers on a construction site,” says Tjernström.

“Another benefit we see is the improvement in the operator environment. Having so much less noise and vibration really helps.”

It’s a small market, but if contractors need zero emission machines today, battery power is the best option, writes TOM JACKSON

JCB INTRODUCED THE FIRST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE BATTERY-ELECTRIC MINI-EXCAVATOR, THEIR 19C-1E, IN 2019. SINCE THEN, THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A SUITE OF BATTERY ELECTRIC COMPACT PRODUCTS IMAGE: JCB

Another OEM that sees the benefit of electric equipment is UK-based JCB. “We can put these machines into inner city environments, suburban neighborhoods on weekends or indoor applications where noise makes diesel operations disruptive,” says Lee Tice, product

FREDRIK

ELECTROMOBILITY SOLUTIONS SALES MANAGER AT VOLVO CE IMAGE: VOLVO CE

LEE TICE, PRODUCT MANAGER AT JCB IMAGE: JCB

IMAGE: KHL

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT STATISTICS

Off-Highway Research initiated coverage of electric construction equipment in 2024, looking at six types of equipment – compact tracked loaders, crawler excavators, mini excavators, telescopic handlers, wheeled excavators and wheeled loaders – which are in series production with multiple OEMs worldwide. Electric wide bodied trucks have since been added to the coverage.

Last year almost 19,000 electric machines were sold worldwide, representing 1.6% of the global market in unit terms. This was a sharp increase on the 8,861 electric machines sold in 2023, but the growth was by no means widespread.

Almost 80% of global demand for electric equipment is in China, where the main products are medium to large wheeled loaders and wide bodied trucks. A further 9.5% of the global electric equipment market is represented by various emerging economies where Chinese OEMs – the major producers of electric equipment – have been promoting the concept with the aim of securing first mover advantage.

In contrast, uptake of electric equipment in Europe and North America stalled last year with the downturn in those markets. Off-Highway Research believes that a further issue in these territories is that the focus on low powered compact equipment by most OEMs is not the

manager at JCB. “And it’s all done with zero loss in performance from its diesel counterpart.”

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The initial cost of electric equipment is higher – often substantially – compared to its diesel equivalents, and the question of return on investment (ROI) for electric machines is a complicated one, says Alistair Hayfield, vice

best avenue to pursue for electrification. These machines are not utilised enough to make back their high purchase prices through lower running costs, and are generally used in areas and applications where there is no access to grid power for charging. This is in contrast to the Chinese model, where electric machines are used for long hours in quarries and mines, sites where grid power tends to be available for charging at the end of a shift.

GLOBAL SALES OF ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT

president, commercial vehicles at Interact Analysis.

AT BAUMA, VOLVO CE LAUNCHED WHAT IT CLAIMED ARE THE WORLD’S FIRST BATTERY-ELECTRIC ARTICULATED HAULERS OF THEIR SIZE CLASS, INCLUDING THE PREMIERE OF THE A30 ELECTRIC ARTICULATED HAULER

In most cases, the ROI does not justify an immediate switch to battery electric machines. But there are some cases – high duty cycles or other environments –where there can be a justification. This will change quickly, however, as battery prices decrease and the volume of machines produced increases.

And ROI does not matter if the application or the client require a noise and/or emissions free work zone. In that case, electric is currently the only choice.

When calculating ROI, it’s important to do thorough analysis of all the costs. This would include purchase price (factoring in any government subsidies or credits), fuel costs (diesel vs. electricity) and maintenance costs.

“Because of the simplicity of electric drive trains you don’t have to spend the money or time on things like oil changes and the typical diesel engine maintenance,” says Tice.

He adds that JCB’s 19C-1E battery electric excavator was introduced commercially in 2019 with a five-year warranty on the battery.

“Hitting that five-year mark was a good deal for us,” says Tice “We wanted to see what that battery would do past that. And we’re proud to say they’ve surpassed the mark without dropping off in performance. They’re holding up very well in the field.”

Tjernström says Volvo CE is confident that they can make it more financially attractive to go to zero emissions in the future. “We need more cost-effective batteries and volume in the factories to get the product costs down a bit more. But we are advancing model by model and year by year. And we have customer cases where its actually easier, neutral or even a bit beneficial to go to zero emissions now. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case yet.

“A customer of ours, Skanska, built a $10 million school project, and they did it 97% emissions free using two excavators, one truck, one wheel loader, one compactor and hand tools that were all electric,” says Tjernström.

Reaching a favorable ROI in electric equipment is easier when the contractor takes a total project view, Tjernström says. “For a one-person company owning a single

SALES OF ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ARE AT A LOW LEVEL GLOBALLY, BUT ARE GROWING

ALISTAIR HAYFIELD,

ELECTRIC

THE NEXT BIG THING?

Diesel-electric hybrid engines are likely to be an up-and-coming engine technology going forward, especially when applications call for higher horsepower than most battery electric machines provide. Not only do they eliminate the need for power from the electric grid, but there is reduced worry about battery life, and previously wasted energy from braking action and or boom swing can be recycled back into the batteries.

Caterpillar displayed a number of reduced emissions iterations of its diesel engine platforms at Bauma, including a new series hybrid power expansion powertrain. Luke Bennett, technical sales and advanced power systems machine integration specialist for Caterpillar shares the capabilities and plans for this hybrid platform.

BAUMA ROUNDUP

IS THIS DESIGNED FOR A SPECIFIC RANGE OF HORSEPOWER?

We have a variety of components used in today’s Cat machines that allow us to offer a range of different powers. For

BRIEF ROUNDUP OF SOME OF THE BATTERY-ELECTRIC MACHINES THAT WERE INTRODUCED AT BAUMA IN APRIL

BOBCAT

Bobcat showed its new R2 Series 1- to 2-ton electric mini excavators, such as the TB10e, TB20e, and TB35e prototypes, with the TB20e set for release in Q3 2025.

CASE

As an advanced concept machine, the Case Construction Equipment eCWL 12EV electric compact wheeled loader not only runs on battery

power but eliminates the cab as it is run remotely. Shown at Bauma, the machine includes an advanced perception system to collect real time date, improve efficiency and precision.

LIUGONG

LiuGong presented a portfolio of battery-electric equipment, targeting mining, demolition and urban construction including the 870HE electric wheeled loader.

example, the 2x 250kW motors shown at Bauma can also be used as generators, so we could offer a smaller system with a 250kW generator and a Cat C9.3B engine instead of the C18 and 500kW generator. The system is also flexible in the size of battery we can use to add more energy storage if needed.

DOES CATERPILLAR HAVE IN MIND ANY SPECIFIC MACHINE TYPES FOR THE HYBRID ENGINE?

Hybrid systems are especially suited to machines that can recover what would be wasted energy on a non-hybrid system. Wheeled machines are one type of application that would be suitable. The hybrid system is also suitable for cyclic machines where the battery can be used to temporarily store energy to reduce the peaks in demand, allowing engines to be downsized and system efficiency increased.

DOES CAT HAVE A TIMELINE FOR INTRODUCING THIS TO THE MARKET?

A version of this system is being developed with a number of OEMs, with the aim to test it in 2026 and production following sometime after.

SANY

Unveiled eleven electrified machines, with global debuts of the SCC2000A-EV, their largest pure electric crawler crane; the STR50E, a 5-ton all-electric roller; the SCM500E-10 electric milling machine; and the STH625E compact electric telescopic arm forklift.

VOLVO CE

The stars of Volvo CE’s all-electric lineup, the A30 Electric articulated hauler along with the A40 Electric offer capacities of 29 and 39 tons respectively and a runtime of four to seven hours depending on application. One-hour fast charging is available using Volvo’s DC charging solution with a capacity of 350kW.

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN AT BAUMA 2025

excavator, it’s a much bigger challenge to step into zero-emissions solutions.”

MARKET NEWS

Over the last five years, multiple OEMs have debuted a variety of electric machines, some prototypes and some commercially available. And while the market for electric equipment hasn’t diminished, it isn’t booming either.

Growth is flat across the industry, says Tice. “We still have customers who are interested in electric products and see the benefits. There is some uncertainty as to the incentives offered for the purchase of electric machines, especially in light of a new administration in Washington DC. But right now, we’re pretty stable.”

“The market is doing OK in Sweden and Northern Europe,” says Tjernström. “In the US, adoption of electric equipment is progressing along the coasts, and you could say that interest in picking up. But we are a bit frustrated. It is improving, absolutely, but we want it to go faster. China, on the other hand, is transforming quickly – especially the wheel loader market.”

Regarding the US, the change in the White

House has negatively impacted the push to electric, at least on a federal level. “I suspect interest has plateaued in the US on the basis that there are relatively few trials/demos taking place and there is little pressure to move to new solutions,” says Hayfield. “This is likely to change as cities increasingly drive investment in battery-electric machinery, but right now I would say interest probably hasn’t increased that much.

“Outside of California (where the funds have come from the California Air Resources Board), there have essentially been zero federal funds for battery electric construction machines in the US,” he adds. “That said, as with Europe, it is the cities that are driving adoption.”

The North American Electric Construction Coalition covers six cities – New York City, Austin, Boulder, Los Angeles, Montreal (in Canada) and Philadelphia – that are committed to purchasing zero emission machinery.

NET ZERO HAS NO SINGLE SOLUTION

“We are still working with all the alternative power sources, battery electric, grid-connected excavators, hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cell, because we are a global company,” says Tjernström from Volvo CE.

“We don’t believe there is one silver bullet. A lot of this depends on how the energy infrastructure will be developed in different parts of the world. This is not in our hands, and we need to be able to adapt.”

It’s still too early to go into the other technologies – of which there are many –today, says Tjernström.

WACKER NEUSON

Developed for all-day applications, the Wacker Neuson EZ10e one-ton excavator offers up to nine hours of

run time on its 23.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, short charging times, and the option of parallel operation at the socket. The system can be charged even during operation to minimise downtime.

“There is basically no availability for green hydrogen yet. So, the energy efficiency of that complete chain is very favorable for electric and battery electric.” CT

XCMG

Debuted a 25-ton excavator that’s powered by a 400-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery. The XE215EV delivers six to eight hours of continuous operation. A DC fast charging system can top up the battery in as little as 1.5 hours, or the battery can be swapped with a fresh unit in as little as three minutes. The company also introduced a suite of electric machines for road construction, including pavers, milling machines, and compact rollers.

ZQUIP

ZQUIP, part of Moog Construction, and Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, showed a modified Cat 308 excavator kitted out with ZQUIP’s swappable zero emissions battery. Powering the excavator with ZQUIP means customers can work without time limitations.

IMAGE:

ZQUIP

COURTEMANCHE SEES AI BECOMING A SEAMLESS PART OF THE PROCESS PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK

In a significant leadership transition, Procore Technologies has announced that its founder, president, and CEO, Tooey Courtemanche, will be stepping down from his role. After more than two decades at the helm, Courtemanche will transition to the position of executive chairman once his successor is appointed.

This marks a pivotal moment for the company, reflecting on Courtemanche’s journey from a carpenter to the leader of a global construction technology company. His vision, shaped by firsthand industry experience, has driven Procore’s success by focusing exclusively on solving construction’s unique challenges.

A CARPENTER’S VISION

Courtemanche’s roots in construction run deep. Unlike many tech leaders who approach the industry from the outside, his career began with handson work.

“My first job was sweeping

Procore’s outgoing CEO, TOOEY COURTEMANCHE on transforming construction technology

sawdust in a cabinetry shop in the 8th grade [13/14 years old], and I went on to become a journeyman carpenter before moving into real estate development and eventually technology,” he recalls.

Courtemanche says that the experience gave him a deep admiration for builders and an understanding of their needs. He saw a major disconnect between construction professionals and the technology available to them.

“Too many companies have tried to sell to construction without truly understanding it,” he says. “Repurposing tech from other industries and assuming builders were laggards.

But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

He says that he witnessed firsthand how project managers used Excel in ways that rivalled top financial analysts. The problem, he realised, wasn’t that construction was behind but rather that the technology available to them wasn’t good enough.

Courtemanche says that this realisation became the foundation of Procore. “That’s why I set out to build technology that’s truly worthy of the construction industry. From day one, Procore has been built around partnership – putting our customers at the centre of everything we do and being more than just a software vendor.”

A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTION

Procore believes that one of the company’s key differentiators from competitors has been its exclusive focus on the construction sector.

“Procore doesn’t build drones or accounting software, but we’ll make sure our customers can seamlessly connect with the best tools out there,” Courtemanche explains.

By listening to customers and solving real problems, Procore says that it has built an open platform that brings together the solutions for construction.

“This industry runs on trust, and we’ve earned ours by staying relentlessly focused on what matters most: our customers, their challenges, and delivering real value every step of the way.”

This commitment extends to Procore’s global expansion strategy. Rather than rushing into new markets, the company says that it takes the time to deeply understand local

TOOEY COURTMANCHE, CEO OF PROCORE PHOTO: PROCORE

industries and build strong regional teams.

“When we expand into new regions, we take the time to truly understand the market, build strong local teams, and embed ourselves in the industry. We listen, learn, and ensure we’re delivering real value before scaling further.”

AI AND THE POWER OF DATA

Looking ahead, Courtemanche believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will be one of the most transformative forces in construction.

“AI has the potential to transform every industry, but construction is uniquely poised to benefit in a way we’ve never seen before.”

Construction generates vast amounts of data, yet much of it has historically gone underutilised. By leveraging AI, Procore hopes to unlock efficiencies, reduce risk, and help teams make smarter decisions.

“With AI, the industry is shifting to the offense, using technology to be more proactive, data-driven, and solve problems before they arise.”

The proactive approach to AI is already taking shape in Procore’s platform. At the company’s Groundbreak 2024 event, Procore introduced Procore Agents and Agents Studio, AI-powered tools designed to improve project efficiency and decision-making.

Procore Agents automate routine tasks, reduce manual workloads, and assist with processes like managing requests for information (RFI), scheduling, and submittals. Agents Studio allows users to customise these tools to meet specific project needs.

“Procore Copilot is already helping construction teams surface critical project

information in seconds,” says Courtemanche.

“Soon, Agents and Agents Studio will proactively suggest next steps and automated workflows, exactly when they’re needed.”

The solutions, available later this year, aim

THE BEST SOLUTIONS COME FROM CONSTANT LEARNING, ITERATING, AND REFINING BASED ON CUSTOMER FEEDBACK.”

to support construction teams by streamlining workflows across the project lifecycle.

Courtemanche envisions AI evolving to become a seamless part of the construction process and believes that we’re working toward a future where AI doesn’t just assist in construction but also enhances and amplifies the way work gets done, making projects safer, more predictable, and more profitable.

ADVICE TO TECH ENTREPRENEURS IN CONSTRUCTION

Reflecting on his journey, Courtemanche shares advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the construction industry.

“I talk to aspiring entrepreneurs all the time, and too often, I see people driven by the idea of being an entrepreneur rather than by a problem they’re deeply invested in solving.”

For him, success has come from an obsession with solving real problems. “What’s kept me going for over 20 years is a genuine love for construction and a relentless drive to solve the challenges it faces. My friends joke that I’m like a dog on a bone – completely obsessed.”

Courtemanche emphasises the importance of engaging with customers early and often and says that too many people take unvalidated ideas too far before ever putting them in front of the people they’re meant to help. He adds, “The best solutions come from constant learning, iterating, and refining based on real customer feedback. You can’t be too customercentric in this process.”

Finally, he stresses the value of taking risks and embracing failure because innovation doesn’t happen without taking risks, and failure is just another word for learning. CT

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