www.technology4environment.com
02
'26
Written on Modified on
Holcim Deploys Hybrid Renewable Mobile Concrete Plants
Hybrid solar-battery systems cut diesel use and CO₂ while enabling 24/7 concrete production on remote transmission infrastructure sites.
www.holcim.com.au
Holcim is deploying hybrid renewable-powered mobile concrete plants to support major transmission infrastructure projects across New South Wales, including the HumeLink transmission corridor and works within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
The technical innovation lies in replacing conventional diesel-only power with a hybrid energy architecture that combines solar generation, battery storage, and backup generators. In typical operation, solar energy supplies the majority of plant power demand, batteries maintain continuous operation, and generators are used only when required for load balancing or extended low-solar conditions.
According to Holcim, this configuration has reduced generator runtime to 14–20 hours per month, while still providing 24-hour power availability for concrete production. Performance data from December shows that hybrid plants operating at the Central West Orana and HumeLink East sites avoided more than 10 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in a single month, with solar generation matching or exceeding generator output and thousands of litres of diesel saved across sites.
Beyond emissions reduction, the hybrid setup improves operational conditions. Continuous power availability supports production reliability in remote locations, while reduced generator use lowers on-site noise and maintenance requirements, benefiting construction crews working extended shifts.
Holcim currently operates three hybrid mobile concrete plants, with additional units scheduled for deployment to support further transmission projects. The plants are delivered through partnerships with Blue Diamond (battery systems and generators) and Makinex Renewables (solar systems), enabling scalable deployment across geographically dispersed sites.
The initiative forms part of Holcim’s NextGen growth strategy, which focuses on lowering CO₂ intensity across operations while maintaining productivity and reliability for large-scale infrastructure construction in remote environments.
www.holcim.com
