Posted on March 31, 2025
Rotterdam, The Netherlands – Implementation of the Tiel-Waardenburg dyke reinforcement started in 2023. Consortium Mekante Diek (Ploegam, Van Oord, Dura Vermeer) is carrying out this dyke reinforcement commissioned by Rivierenland Water Board. It is the first large-scale construction project in the Netherlands to be completed using almost entirely electric equipment. Research institute TNO examined the efficiency and sustainability impact of this project over the past two years.
Rivierenland Water Board challenged the market with the 2020 tender to achieve the greatest possible emission reduction. Mekante Diek responded by carrying out the dyke reinforcement project largely emission-free, using some forty machines with mostly interchangeable, rechargeable battery packs, such as trucks, tractors, cranes, asphalt sets and piling rigs. The consortium also created WattHub, Europe’s first XL fast charging plaza, together with partner Betuwewind. The charging plaza, situated next to the dyke reinforcement site, is powered by renewable electricity, specifically designed for trucks and heavy equipment, and is accessible to all.
Conclusion: Implementing large-scale construction projects in a sustainable way is possible
Mekante Diek commissioned TNO to study the efficiency and sustainability impact of zero emission equipment and the WattHub charging plaza. Zero emission equipment was compared with conventional diesel equipment in various age categories. The results underline that large-scale emission-free construction is possible. The project saves over 1,190 tonnes of CO₂ and 3,260 kg of nitrogen (NOx) per year, equivalent to what 59,500 trees can absorb in a year. 100% green electricity is used to charge the equipment, 90% of which comes directly from wind turbines, preventing grid congestion. TNO’s research shows that great strides have been made, but there is still room for improvement. For example, in charging schedules and energy consumption.
TNO’s report, ‘Assessment of sustainable charging operations of Mekante Diek’s construction equipment’ can be downloaded from the digital visitor centre.
‘During the tender, Mekante Diek met our goals and ambition in an appealing way with maximum commitment to zero emission implementation. This exceeded our expectations. Demonstrating entrepreneurship in deploying zero emission equipment on this project has helped accelerate the transition to zero emission construction.’
— Peter Lobbezoo, HWBP programme manager at Rivierenland Water Board
Details of Tiel-Waardenburg dyke reinforcement
The Tiel-Waardenburg dyke reinforcement is part of the national Flood Protection Programme (HWBP), the largest dyke reinforcement operation since the Delta Works. The Waal dyke between Tiel and Waardenburg will be raised, widened and fitted with more than nine kilometres of sheet piling over a distance of about twenty kilometres. The project will be completed while people live, do business and relax around the dyke, and the project borders a Natura2000 area. Work is well on track. Seven km of sheet piling has been installed and 4.7 km of the dyke has now been protected against flooding. By 2027, the entire dyke must be protected against flooding.
