Australia's first two 250t electric crawler cranes will arrive in early 2023, with the first arrival to be deployed on a Western Australian infrastructure project. Managed by Select Plant Australia, a subsidiary of Laing O'Rourke, the two Liebherr LR 1250.1 fully electric lattice jib crawler cranes produce zero emissions while offering the same performance as their diesel-powered counterparts.

In another first for the Australian construction sector, Laing O'Rourke will add a fleet of 2.5t electric telehandlers to Select's growing range of electric plant and equipment. The 10 Manitou MT 625E model telehandlers produce zero emissions and very low noise, helping to improve operator awareness and communication with other workers.

These acquisitions will add to the 8.5t SEA electric trucks, 3t electric teletruks, electric plate compactors, lighting solutions and battery energy storage systems which are already in use by Select on Australian construction sites.

Rebecca Hanley, managing director - Australia at Laing O'Rourke, said the purchase of pioneering electric plant was evidence of the company's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and sector leadership. "Electric plant and equipment are a game changer for our sector. Globally, we set an ambitious target to achieve operational net zero by 2030, which relates to scope 1 and 2 emissions, and be a net zero company before 2050, which relates to scope 3 emissions.

"Investment in this type of technology, along with our solar-powered site compounds and other initiatives means we can both deliver certainty for our clients and meet our commitments to the world around us.

"Laing O'Rourke's mission is to be the recognised leader for innovation and excellence in the construction industry, and this is just another example of how we are striving to fulfil that goal and support change in the sector."

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