First tower crane with its own power generation in operation in Baden
The Baden Cantonal Hospital is using the Greenpower crane as a world first for renovation work in the decommissioned old building. According to manufacturer rollende Werkstatt Kran AG, it is the first tower crane that can generate electricity using energy recovery. This reduces the energy requirement by up to 50 per cent.
The Baden Cantonal Hospital(KSB) is working with the Greenpower crane from Obwalden-based company rollende Werkstatt Kran AG for the renovation of its decommissioned ward block. According to a press release, it is the first tower crane in the world that can generate its own electricity.
Depending on the operating situation, the crane can reduce electricity consumption by up to 50 per cent. It can also be operated with a smaller mains connection, which means lower installation costs and allows the crane to be used in locations with limited power capacity.
This is made possible by the design with an integrated energy recovery system and battery storage. “When lowering loads or braking the crane functions, electrical energy is generated, stored and reused for subsequent work steps,” it says.
With Greenpower, the manufacturer is focussing on the sustainable further development of crane use. “The system is a response to increasing requirements in terms of energy efficiency and grid availability on construction sites,” says Hansheini Dillier, Managing Director of rollende Werkstatt Kran AG.
According to the press release, the device is used to remove building materials. They contain asbestos, PCBs, PAHs and heavy metals and date back to the construction period in the 1970s. At that time, materials were used for work on tiles and floor coverings, among other things, that are now considered harmful to health or the environment, according to KSB. Strict precautionary measures therefore apply to construction sites on old buildings in accordance with the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund and the Federal Office of Public Health.
Dismantling of the building can only begin once the pollutants and contaminated sites have been properly disposed of. According to KSB CEO Pascal Cotrotzo, the demolition application is not yet legally binding. The remediation work is running independently of this and should be completed in spring 2026. Until then, the company is hoping for the “green light” from the relevant authorities.