Ross Dimmock– VP Tunnelling at Normet Group, also Board Member of SubSpace Energy Hub, presented at British Tunnelling Society in London a few weeks ago on the topic: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in tunnelling: why are our mining industry friends so far ahead?

The mining industry has made significant strides in adopting battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to improve the health of their underground teams, lower operating costs, and crucially, reduce carbon emissions. This presentation explores a series of positive features designed to expedite the adoption of BEVs in tunnelling projects, responding to the urgent need for carbon net-zero construction advocated by key project stakeholders. Diesel emissions are identified as a major carbon contributor, alongside steel and concrete.

The presentation draws on a wealth of international insights, including considerations related to the fire safety of batteries. It leverages research and best practices developed by the SubSpace Energy Hub, a cross-industry network based in Switzerland.

This collaborative effort aims to establish comprehensive guidance to overcome challenges and promote the widespread use of clean energy construction equipment in the tunnelling industry.