Significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the recycling process Innovation project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection

It was developed as an innovation project of the company SENNEBOGEN Maschinenfabrik GmbH with the cooperation of CRONIMET.

The aim of the innovation project was to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the recycling process. The new battery-powered excavator combines the flexibility of traditional dieselpowered excavators with the benefits of a zero-emission electric excavator that also has lower maintenance and energy costs. The battery-powered 30 t electric excavator 825 Electro Battery enables completely emission-free work and thus makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions at CRONIMET. “With this innovation project, we are taking a decisive step on the road to CO2 neutrality,” says Marijo Zeljko, Managing Director of CRONIMET Ferroleg. GmbH. “Electrification of our machinery is a key component of our climate strategy.”

The companies of the CRONIMET Group have committed to operate in a CO2-neutral manner by 2030. “As CRONIMET Ferroleg. we are ready to invest in innovation and move forward in the industry. That’s why we are very pleased that the project has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection,” says Marijo Zeljko.

Currently nine excavators are in operation at CRONIMET Ferroleg. GmbH in Karlsruhe, returning around 140,000 tons of stainless-steel scrap and other alloyed scrap to the raw material cycle every year. Initially, CRONIMET will use the battery-powered excavator for feeding the scrap press, preparing material for the press, and for sorting work in the incoming goods department. The battery-powered excavator runs on 100 percent certified green electricity and saves up to PRESS RELEASE CRONIMET FERROLEG. GmbH 2 125 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year in two-shift operation compared with the previous solution – and with the same freedom of movement.

CRONIMET supported the product development with important practical know-how and actively participated in the prototype status of the machine. The battery-powered electric excavator developed in the innovation project is thus optimally geared to the requirements of demanding metal recycling.

The SENNEBOGEN 825 Electro Battery is based on the SENNEBOGEN 825 E with 110 kilowatt electric motor. The operating weight of approx. 30 tons and the range of 14 meters are unchanged. Its power storage unit, a lithium-ion battery pack with 378 kilowatt hours of storage capacity installed at the rear of the machine in place of the counterweight, enables the excavator to operate flexibly for up to 8 hours without intermediate charging. When used stationary by cable, it can work and charge at the same time. Thanks to the onboard charger and the 63A CEE plug system used, the electric excavator can be connected to conventional power sockets, so there is no need for additional investment in charging columns.

About the CRONIMET Holding Group The CRONIMET Holding Group, headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a global specialist for stainless steel scrap, ferroalloys and primary metals. With its core business, CRONIMET returns metallic raw materials to the material cycle through recycling and processing, thus contributing to raw material supply and efficiency. For four decades, the company has been supplying raw materials to the stainless-steel producing industry. The focus is on trading & sales, recycling and production & services. CRONIMET Ferroleg. GmbH was founded in 1980 as the first company of today’s CRONIMET Holding Group. Today, CRONIMET Holding Group has more than 1500 employees at around 70 locations worldwide.