Reducing CO2 emissions by 95% during the reinforcement of the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike
The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority will start implementing the Lauwersmeerdijk-Vierhuizergat dyke reinforcement project in 2023. By using electric machines, the water authority aims to reduceCO2 emissions by 95%. The water board plans to invest €8.2 million in the project. Together with GMB and Heijmans as the Waddenkwartier contractor consortium, regional companies have been asked to also invest in cleaner machines with lower emissions. This is an important incentive for making equipment in the civil engineering sector more sustainable.
Electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, cranes, trailers, and generators
This involves the use of a hydrogen truck, various larger and smaller cranes, tipper trucks, tractors with trailers, and generators. This electric equipment saves around 600,000 liters of diesel. That is a reduction of 22% on total diesel consumption. The diesel we use is fossil-free and renewable, known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO100) diesel. The use of electric equipment and HVO100 diesel together results in a 95% reduction inCO2 compared to the use of regular equipment to reinforce the dike.
Reuse of raw materials and greater biodiversity
In addition to limiting emissions, we are strengthening the dike by reusing raw materials and contributing to biodiversity. Various nature measures have been included in the project to promote biodiversity, such as fish migration and a freshwater-saltwater transition zone. But also artificial reefs in front of the dike (the natural transition) and the development of a natural salt marsh. We are sowing part of the dike itself with flower- and herb-rich grass. Furthermore, the dike has been designed to be circular. This means that almost 100% of the asphalt, clay, and copper slag blocks from the existing dike will be reused in the new dike. As a result, far fewer new raw materials will need to be brought in.
Dike reinforcement Lauwersmeer Dike-Vierhuizergat
Starting in 2023, the water board and its partners will reinforce the Lauwersmeer dike in Groningen. This involves 9 kilometers of sea dike between Lauwersoog and the Westpolder. While reinforcing the dike, we will also work on extras for nature, recreation, and traffic. This will ensure that we are well protected against flooding in the future. At the same time, we will enhance nature, recreation, and accessibility in the area. Read more at lauwersmeerdijk.noorderzijlvest.nl.
Flood protection program
This dyke reinforcement is part of the Flood Protection Program. In the HWBP, the 21 water boards and Rijkswaterstaat are working together on the largest dike reinforcement operation ever since the Delta Works. At least 1,500 kilometers of dikes and 500 locks and pumping stations will be reinforced over the next thirty years. In this way, we are working to create a country where you can live, work, and recreate safely. Read more at www.hwbp.nl.