Finland targets emissions reduction in mobile machinery as Stockholm plans diesel ban by 2024

Mobile machinery used in construction and industry accounts for approximately 5% of Finland’s carbon dioxide emissions. Despite these significant emissions, there are no regulations at the EU level regarding the management of machinery-related CO2 emissions, nor is there a strategic plan to reduce them. Experts suggest that substituting diesel-hydraulic power transmissions in these machines with electric motors and batteries could be key to mitigating emissions. While technological advancements in electrification are progressing, heavy-duty machines currently available on the market remain around three times more expensive than their fossil-fuel counterparts, and such machines are not yet available in Finland.

Mobile machinery includes equipment like excavators and wheel loaders commonly found on construction sites, predominantly powered by diesel fuel, with many outdated units still in operation. The research is now focusing on how to make electric machinery independent from cable connections and functioning solely on battery power.

In urban construction sites, smaller machines such as mini-excavators with rechargeable batteries are becoming more common, while agricultural machines face more complex challenges due to difficulties in establishing charging infrastructure.

Cities are increasingly aiming to reduce emissions on construction sites; for instance, Stockholm plans to ban diesel-powered construction machinery in the city center by the end of 2024.

Researchers at LUT University are developing a simulator to analyze the usability of electric components in machinery. Improvements in energy efficiency are necessary before replacing diesel engines with electric ones. Future electric construction machines will notably differ in design, requiring enhanced framing and a reevaluation of component compatibility. Furthermore, collaboration with Danfoss Editron aims to advance the development of electric motors and power electronics for the industry.