AMPS UP SUSTAINABILITY

In a commitment to sustainability, SUEZ has introduced the Volvo L25 Electric Compact Wheel Loader at their Waste and Recycling Facility in Bodmin. The L25 Electric is part of a company-wide drive towards a cleaner, safer and more efficient daily operation.

SUEZ and SMT GB are driving sustainability forward by introducing the first Volvo L25 Electric Compact Wheel Loader at their Bodmin Materials Recycling Facility in Cornwall. This collaboration is a step toward revolutionising waste and recycling sites across Great Britain. SUEZ aims to go beyond net-zero to become carbon positive by 2040, eliminating more carbon than they produce. Integrating electric plant and fleet vehicles into daily operations is one of many initiatives propelling them towards this ambitious goal.

During a major site redevelopment, SUEZ identified the L25 Electric as a potential asset, allowing ample time for a comprehensive quoting and order process with SMT GB. This process, typically taking 3-6 months, was supported by SMT GB’s Craig Howard from the initial quote to final delivery. During this period, additional consultancy was provided to SUEZ to advise them on the most suitable charging solution for their operational requirements.

Following a successful trial at SUEZ sister site in Redruth, confidence in the L25 Electric’s performance grew, ensuring its seamless integration at the Bodmin facility. The loader has now been in operation for eight months, efficiently handling tasks such as pushing loose soft mixed paper onto feed conveyors, fluffing materials, and preparing them for baling.

Recycling facilities are often noisy and odorous environments, making the L25 Electric a welcome addition. Its minimal noise and zero tailpipe emissions contribute to a quieter, safer, and cleaner workspace for site personnel.

To accommodate the L25 Electric, the site required only minor infrastructure changes, including upgrading an existing 3-Phase 400V socket to a 32A connector for the external 17kw fast charging. Shaun Sisterson, SMT GB’s Electromobility Business Manager, played a vital role in supporting both SUEZ and internal teams to facilitate a smooth transition to electric machinery.

Site Manager Ian Broad praised the L25 Electric’s integration, stating: “The electric machine has seamlessly fitted into our operations. As we operate in two shifts, we run the machine in the morning, fast charge it during the lunch break, and then continue operations until the end of the shift. We then slow charge it overnight.”.

The Volvo CE L25 Electric also increases operator safety through excellent all-round visibility from its spacious cab, and minimal noise production which mitigates noise pollution on site, facilitating clearer communication. In addition to this, utilising an electric machine on site, in comparison to a fuel-powered machine, benefits operator health thanks to zero harmful fumes being released into the workspace.

The handover process was well-coordinated, ensuring operators were comfortable with the switch from diesel to electric. SMT GB's demonstrator, Shaun Geer, led training sessions, helping machine operators adapt and optimise productivity levels. Previously, two diesel-powered machines handled the same tasks, but the L25 electric from Volvo CE has significantly improved efficiency by reducing downtime associated with refuelling and AdBlue usage. Additionally, operators have found pre-start checks to be quicker and more straightforward than with diesel models, allowing for a more streamlined start to each shift.

Edward Webb Operator

SUEZ

Since the successful deployment of the L25 Electric at Bodmin, SUEZ has continued to explore additional electric machine integrations across its facilities, including a request for a similar machine at a sister site undergoing redevelopment.

Following the success of the initial machine, SMT GB anticipates further opportunities for larger electric machinery such as the L120 Electric and L90 Electric, at this site and other SUEZ locations. SMT GB offers a comprehensive range of solutions for the waste and recycling sector, including the Volvo EW240 tethered Electric Material Handler. Additionally, the McCloskey Environmental range of shredders, screeners, and trommels – now available through AGGPRO, recently acquired by SMT GB – supports various waste and recycling applications.

With a strong focus on sustainability, SMT GB is dedicated to supporting customers on their electrification journey. From conducting site simulations to offering the IQ-accredited EcoOperator programme, SMT GB remains engaged with Net-Zero focused sites like SUEZ’s to continuously improve operational efficiency and provide cutting-edge sustainable machinery solutions for the future.