Volvo CE, Siemens & Metzner's All-Electric Construction Site
A three-way partnership in Erlangen, Germany, is powering the world’s first deconstruction site to be run entirely on electric machines.
The project is a collaboration between Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), Siemens and Metzner Recycling and represents a step forward in sustainable urban development.
This initiative is a component of Siemens’ €500m technology campus development which aims to advance urban spaces and circular construction methods.
In partnership with demolition firm Metzner Recycling, Volvo CE provided a fully electric fleet of construction machines for the 25,000 cubic-metre site.
The project, which also utilised Volvo Trucks’ EVs for transporting materials, achieved emission-free operations covering selective gutting, concrete crushing, processing and transport.
This marks the first occasion a full-scale deconstruction has been completed electrically.
Electric fleet powers sustainable deconstruction
The project demonstrates that with the right technology and partners, deconstruction can be carried out more sustainably.
“Our transformation is no longer a vision but a reality,” explained Therese Schmitz-Hillebrecht, Head of Market Area Central Europe at Volvo CE.
“We don’t just develop electric construction machines, we accompany our partners on the path to an emission-free future.
"The fact that companies like Metzner and Siemens are joining us on this path is a strong sign.”
This approach removed the reliance on fossil fuels, cut CO₂ emissions and lowered noise levels in the urban setting.
The fleet included a range of specialised EVs.
For indoor work, a Volvo ECR18 Electric compact excavator with a hydraulic breaker was used for demolishing concrete and masonry, while a Volvo L20 Electric wheel loader transported materials out of the buildings.
For the exterior deconstruction, a grid-connected Volvo EW240 MH Electric material handler worked alongside a Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavator.
These machines handled deconstruction, concrete-cutting and feeding the crusher. A Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader was tasked with moving materials to and from the electric crusher.
High-performance electric machinery in action
The use of electric machines brings numerous operational benefits.
“The fact that we have now taken the first major step towards an all-electric, low emission dismantling site as a technical standard is a huge success for us, the Metzner team, and our clients,” says Michael Metzner, Owner of Metzner Recycling.
“I get goosebumps when I think about what these machines make possible.
“Electric equipment could unlock urban projects currently held back by noise and pollution concerns.
"In fact, we’ve already introduced electric wheel loaders at some of our other sites.”
Indoors, the compact excavator and wheel loader operated with low noise and zero emissions, supported by a Husqvarna demolition robot.
This removed the need for complex air-filtration systems and could accelerate demolition timelines.
Outside, the larger electric machines dismantled, crushed and loaded materials into a Kleemann electric crusher and screening plant.
A Volvo FM Electric hook lift and a Volvo FH Electric semi tractor from Volvo Trucks managed transport off-site.
Advancing circularity in construction waste
Alongside the demolition work, the collaboration focused on circular economy principles.
The electric machines sorted and processed approximately 12,800 tonnes of construction waste.
According to the project partners, 96% of this waste was recycled into raw materials for future use.
This highlights a major advance in circular materials management within the construction sector.
“At Siemens Real Estate, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and demolition,” says Christian Franz, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Real Estate.
“This groundbreaking electric deconstruction project boasts an impressive 96% recycling rate and is a testament to our commitment to achieving excellence in sustainability.
“Through strong collaboration and innovative thinking, the team has achieved exceptional results that directly support our company’s ambitious sustainability targets.
“This project illustrates how partnerships and determination can create a lasting impact and help shape a more sustainable real estate industry.”
The project serves as a model for collaboration between equipment manufacturers, contractors, real estate firms and energy providers.
This cross-sector approach underscores the importance of partnership in the move towards sustainable construction and offers a potential blueprint for developing cleaner and quieter cities.
