Mourik builds first 100% clean excavator powered by hydrogen

The first completely clean hydrogen-powered excavator goes to work this month on the Sterke Lekdijk dike reinforcement project near Schoonhoven. With the deployment of the 30-ton emission-free crawler excavator, Mourik is taking the next big step towards a completely clean and sustainable fleet of machines. The international family business has the ambition to use only emission-free equipment by 2030. 

'It looks exactly like a traditional excavator. Only this one is so clean that we can even work with it in Natura 2000 areas. Moreover, the hydrogen version is more powerful than the ordinary one,' states Kees Jan Mourik, chairman of the board of contractor and technical service provider Mourik. 'For the enthusiasts; it is a converted Liebherr R926 Generation 8 which, thanks to our modifications, has no CO₂ and NO_x emissions. The machine can run a full working day without changing batteries or refilling hydrogen. So there is no loss of time. That makes this unique excavator optimally deployable and cost-effective for our clients.'

Previously, Mourik developed a technology that reduces NO_x by construction equipment such as excavators, craneheim machines, rollers, asphalt machines and generators can be reduced by as much as 97%. Says Mourik, "By innovating in emission-free equipment, we can get to work on major infrastructure and dike reinforcement projects despite the strict nitrogen regulations. 

Distress is high

Mourik: "It also opens up opportunities for projects for which it is now difficult or impossible to obtain permits due to emissions. With zero emissions, we offer the solution to this main obstacle. The need is high. Construction must continue. As a family business, we are proud that we can take the lead in this.'

Mourik did the conversion of the excavator in-house. Walter Deelen, director of Mourik Infra: 'The technology is new, so we had to build up the knowledge ourselves. That has been entrusted to our innovation specialists at our subsidiary Mourik Techniek. Together with innovation specialist Accenda and with support from supplier Liebherr, we developed a blueprint for how to convert construction machines quickly and efficiently.'

The bright minds at Mourik are now busy extracting green hydrogen from roadside grass and pruning waste. Mourik: 'Green hydrogen will become scarce as more companies make the transition to clean operations. With a little creativity, we will also find solutions to this challenge. Innovation is our spearhead. Our specialists mainly see opportunities.'

Mourik, global player and family business in one

Mourik is among the larger independent family-owned companies in the Netherlands. A B2B service provider in the fields of infrastructure, industrial services, utility construction and catalyst handling. 

Almost 100 years after its founding, Mourik is a company with a turnover of over 460 million euros and 2,200 employees worldwide. Mourik offers customers in the public and private sectors a multidisciplinary package as a total solution.

Mourik stands for healthy returns, continuity, safe working and corporate social responsibility. Innovative strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and hard-working, competent and committed employees make Mourik a future-oriented company.

The company, headquartered in Groot-Ammers, is led by CEO Kees Jan Mourik.

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