ACCIONA has deployed a 250-tonne electric crawler crane at Heatherton West in Melbourne as part of the Suburban Rail Loop East project, reducing emissions and improving air quality while supporting major tunnelling works.

The crane, one of the largest pieces of electric plant used on the project, will assist with installing struts, tracking, and lifting key infrastructure such as silos and a grout-mixing plant. Over its operational period, it is expected to save approximately 9,000 litres of diesel compared to a conventional crane.

Mains power, built for the future

Unlike diesel-powered alternatives, the crane connects directly to mains power. Electrical infrastructure installed to support the crane has been designed to accommodate future tunnelling activities, ensuring long-term value beyond its current role.

For most of its time on site, the crane will operate using GreenPower-certified electricity, reducing the need for battery charging and maintaining efficient operations. Its electric design also minimises noise and eliminates diesel exhaust fumes, benefiting nearby residents and workers.

Part of a broader shift to electric plant

The electric crane is part of a broader strategy to expand the use of electric plant and renewable energy across Suburban Rail Loop East.

Two electric pool vehicles supplied by Indigenous-owned company Bunji Hire are already in use, avoiding around 4.5 tonnes of carbon emissions to date. An electric shuttle bus also operates regularly across project sites.

Additional measures include solar-powered temporary office caravans at Monash, Clayton and Clarinda, which have saved more than 30,000 litres of fuel, and solar-powered boom gates and traffic lights to reduce reliance on conventional power sources.

Electric elevated work platforms and battery-powered compactors have also been introduced, receiving positive feedback from crews for performance and ease of use.

Battery storage cutting generator runtime at Clarinda

At Clarinda, a mini battery energy storage system has powered pedestrian bridge lighting while reducing generator runtime by 82 per cent, delivering carbon savings of up to 48 tonnes of CO₂-e.

As construction progresses, Suburban Connect is continuing to explore renewable energy solutions and opportunities to introduce more electric plant and equipment. These initiatives aim to deliver a major transport connection for Melbourne while contributing to a lower-emissions future for the construction industry.