News Sustainability
Konecranes to provide 16 cranes for Moscow waste-to-energy plants

Moscow – Four waste-to-energy (WtE) plants (Moscow 1-4) will be constructed over the next three years in Moscow, with the construction works for building the foundation of the first plant already started. The new plants support Russia’s Green Tariff program to promote renewable energy, which was launched in 2017.

The new WtE plants will help the city of Moscow optimize its waste management by closing and steadily reducing numerous landfill sites. The plants will process a total of 2.8 million tons of residual waste per year, generating up to 70 MW of electricity per plant. Part of the electricity will be used to run the plants and part will be fed into the grid to supply power to around 1.5 million people in Moscow.

“Konecranes provided great support during the bidding process and was recognized as a strong and reliable supplier for the projects in the Moscow region due to good quality, competitive pricing and in-depth experience and knowledge of the Russian Market,” said Alevtina Curdy, buyer at Hitachi Zosen Inova.

Konecranes will deliver two waste-to-energy cranes and two bottom ash cranes to each of the four WtE plants in the Moscow region, totalling 16 cranes. The suppliers have now received a Notice to Proceed for the first plant and will execute the order for the other three units (Moscow 2-4) upon the customer’s approval.

The fully automated WtE cranes have a lifting capacity of up to 28 tons each and a span of 34 meters. The bottom ash cranes, which have a lifting capacity of up to 14 tons, utilize full automation as well. When manual operation is required, the ash cranes are operated with two Remote Operating Stations (ROS) located in the main control room as there is no pulpit room for the ash bunker.

The cranes will include several Konecranes Smart Features that support safety and productivity at the production site, such as Sway Control, Shock Load Prevention, Slack Rope Prevention, Protected Areas, and Target Positioning. With Konecranes digital services including TRUCONNECT, the crane use and maintenance can be monitored via the yourKONECRANES customer portal. In addition, the equipment will utilize the DynaReg feature, which recycles power generated by the hoists.

“This contract shows the growing importance of circular economy initiatives in Russia and supports Konecranes’ broader commitment towards sustainability,” said Joseph Botros, waste to energy industry director at Konecranes.

“The new ash cranes can be operated without a pulpit room thanks to Konecranes’ Remote Operating Stations, leading to greater productivity and a more comfortable working environment. In addition to the advanced user experience, our equipment performance and global presence were also key in helping us to secure the order,” he added.