Hybrid piling rig cuts emissions on city site
Berlin’s Port ONE project reduces emissions with new hybrid piling rig
Port One Berlin is being built on a 13,000 sqm site at the northern tip of Europa City, which marks the start of the inner-city office and commercial area on Friedrich-Krause-Ufer. In addition to office space, flexible areas for production, service and storage as well as restaurants, a children’s daycare center and artists’ studios are also planned. In addition to 2,300 sqm of roof terraces with roof gardens, a 4,100 sqm open space with a forest biotope is being created around the building. And, as part of the Green Buildings sustainability concept, One Port Berlin has planned for a LEED Gold certification, as well as the WiredScore certifcation award.
The Port ONE Berlin office project is setting a new standard for low-emission construction, thanks to an innovative hybrid pile driver that keeps noise and emissions to a minimum. The eRG 19 T hybrid piling rig, developed by RTG Rammtechnik — a subsidiary of Bauer Maschinen —combines diesel and electric power to meet Germany’s stringent urban environmental standards. Bauer Spezialtiefbau is using the rig for foundation work on the 32,000 m² commercial project at the Friedrich-Krause-Ufer site in Berlin.
Bauer began foundation work in November 2022 for the project, developed by M-Port Optima Office Center GmbH. The site presents unique challenges due to its location in a crowded urban area, where space is tight and emissions control is essential. “We want to create a better future,” says Bauer project manager Lars Heilfort. “By using the new eRG 19 T hybrid, we demonstrate that construction sites can be efficient, as well as quiet and low on emissions.”
The eRG 19 T hybrid has played a crucial role in this process. Its hybrid power system combines a 430-kW diesel engine with an 88-kW electric motor, allowing the rig to maintain power while reducing fuel consumption and noise. The electric motor supports the diesel engine during high-power operations, resulting in up to 68% lower diesel usage and a significant drop in emissions—saving about 7 tonnes of CO₂ per month. “Less noise, fewer emissions – we demonstrate how modern construction sites can make a difference,” adds Heilfort.
Key features of the RTG eRG 19 T hybrid pile driver
The eRG 19 T, built by Bauer subsidiary RTG Rammtechnik, is designed to address the needs of urban projects with features including:
- Hybrid power: A diesel-electric combination that allows powerful and efficient operation while minimizing emissions and noise.
- Energy recovery: The system recovers energy from braking and other operations, storing it to reduce diesel demand further.
- Versatility: Its modular design enables it to handle a range of piling tasks, including driving sheet piles, concrete piles, tubular (steel) piles, and H-piles.
- Advanced data monitoring: Operators can monitor power usage and adjust mains load settings to manage efficiency in real time.
The rig’s versatility makes it valuable for complex foundation work, particularly in dense urban environments. For the Port ONE project, Bauer has used the eRG 19 T to drive various pile types, including concrete piles, sheet piles, and tubular piles, helping adapt to the demanding conditions at Friedrich-Krause-Ufer.
With construction already 50% completed as of October, Bauer’s work with the eRG 19 T hybrid reflects a growing industry trend toward eco-friendly construction solutions, supporting emissions and noise reduction in densely built urban areas.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter
