Epiroc and Skanska will trial the first ever tophammer battery-electric rig at a quarry in Sweden – the SmartROC T35 E.
Tests using the SmartROC T35 E will commence in September 2022 in one of Skanska Industrial Solution’s quarries in the Stockholm area.
The SmartROC T35 E uses designed to enhance the environmental standards of quarries and larger construction sites.
The design is based on the Epiroc SmartROC T35 surface drill rig and it draws on experience gained from the development of underground battery rigs.
The rig also comes with a range of smart features, options and enhanced automation solutions for high safety, reliability, and performance.
The SmartROC T35 E is equipped with both a battery and an electric cable, allowing for easy transportation in and between sites.
Users can choose to drill with the most suitable alternative for the location and occasion.
The batteries fitted on the surface drill rig are the same batteries and subcomponents used in all Epiroc underground battery solutions.
This streamlines spare parts handling and service for customers with several different operations.
The trial marks a significant milestone in the journey towards zero emissions drilling in surface mines and quarries all over the world.
“A milestone has been reached and a new opportunity has come to reduce our climate impact,” Skanska Industrial Solutions project manager Johan Eliasson said.
“Both companies have set bold environmental goals – this project really takes a great step towards Skanska´s goal of being completely climate neutral by 2045, which is an important part of our promise to build a better society” he added.
“For many years we have been leading the development in lowering fuel consumption within tophammer drilling,” Epiroc Surface division Product Manager tophammer drill rigs Ulf Gyllander said.
“With this new solution we are taking a giant leap in the low emissions field – we are practically removing emissions from the actual drilling process.”