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McAlpine achieves 85% emissions and fuel savings by going hybrid
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
(Image: Sir Robert McAlpine)
Sir Robert McAlpine has cut emissions and fuel by 85% in five live tower cranes on one of its construction projects during a four-month period by using hybrid energy sources.
The contractor partnered with temporary power and temperature control hire company Aggreko to power onsite tower cranes with HVO-fuelled generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and “more sustainable fuels”.
The batteries operate the crane with generators only running at time of peak load or to charge the batteries.
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The company estimates that the total efficiencies across the five tower cranes from October 2022 to January 2023 equalled over 234 tonnes of emissions and more than 87,300 litres in fuel.
Sir Robert McAlpine has been working with temporary power and temperature control hire company Aggreko on a series of “industry-first field trials” since 2021 to explore ways in which construction can reduce its carbon emissions.
Aggreko has also worked with Keltbray to save 200 tonnes of carbon using BESS technology, resulting in the company saving more than 75,000 litres of fuel in 12 projects across the UK.
The construction sector accounts for 38% of global CO2 emissions, reaching the highest-ever level in 2019, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
Plant procurement manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, Martin Mitchell, said: “This evidence-based approach gave our business the confidence to invest in new technologies, which has clearly paid dividends in reducing our emissions and fuel consumption.
“As can be seen here, close working relationships across the supply chain are key to implementing more sustainable practices, and we look forward to working more with Aggreko in the future.”
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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