Thanks to a new mandate that came into effect on January 1st 2025, Oslo’s municipal construction sites will be the first in the world to increase the use of zero-emission electric machinery to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. This transition, which places the Norwegian capital at the forefront of replacing diesel and petrol with biofuels and electric equipment, is not entirely new: as early as 2023, 98% of construction sites were already free of fossil fuels.

Although the market for electricity powered machinery is still limited and costs remain high, Oslo’s demand is accelerating its development, setting an exemplary model for other European cities. According to The Guardian, Tora Leifland, head of public affairs at Volvo Construction Equipment, stated that the gradual large-scale adoption of these machines will drive prices down, ultimately benefiting both citizens and builders.

Other cities are also following Norway’s initiative. In Stockholm, the minimum number of battery-powered machines used in construction sites has been raised from 10% to 50%, while in the Netherlands the first fast-charging station for heavy-duty vehicles has been built. Experts suggest that public incentives, CO₂ emission taxation to make fossil fuels less competitive and stricter regulations could further accelerate the transition, steering the building industry toward quieter and more sustainable choices.

Opening image: Oslo, photo Felix Mizioznikov