For the dike reinforcement between Tiel and Waardenburg, Van Oord is developing a fully emission‑free construction site. The project is part of the Flood Protection Programme and is considered one of the first large‑scale infrastructure projects in the Netherlands to be executed almost entirely using electric equipment. The entire dike section consists of an out‑of‑dike work strip without a grid connection, which makes mobile energy supply a critical component.
The Powerhub as the Heart of the Emission‑Free Construction Site
Van Oord uses two DENS Powerhubs to charge the electric 35‑ton excavators (CATERPILLAR 330 LRE Z‑Line) directly on site. During the day, the Powerhubs are charged at WattHub in Geldermalsen and then transported back to the dike, where they:
- provide two half‑hour top‑up charging sessions during the day • deliver a full overnight charge for the excavator with 870 kWh, 300 kVA, and 360 kW built‑in CCS2 charging cables, the Powerhubs function as fully fledged mobile charging stations. This enables the excavators to operate at full power throughout the day—without emissions and without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Operator Experience: Powerhub as the Clear Winner
In the video, Van Oord’s excavator operator shares his experience working emission‑free and compares the Powerhub to other battery solutions he has used in the past.
“The quality of DENS is excellent. The service is fast and personal; if anything comes up, they respond immediately”
His experience confirms that reliability, charging speed, and direct support are essential for heavy electric equipment operating in remote locations. The Powerhub clearly stands out as the dependable backbone of the construction site.
Sustainability Impact of the Project
According to TNO, the project saves annually:
- 1,190 tons of CO₂ • 3,260 kg of nitrogen (NOx)
This is equivalent to the annual CO₂ absorption capacity of 59,500 trees. In addition, most of the charging power is generated by wind turbines, helping to prevent grid congestion.
