Sunward unveils electric drill rigs, 5‑10% savings
Get the Energy newsletter
Daily energy & climate — solar, EVs, oil, the policy fights and tech bets shaping the transition. Free.
- Sunward unveiled three new rotary drilling rig models — SWDM 420E, 520E, and 620E — that integrate electric drive with onboard range‑extending generators.
- The rigs operate as extended‑range hybrids, using battery power with energy‑recovery systems and an internal‑combustion engine to generate kilowatts when batteries are depleted.
- Sunward claims the hybrid rigs achieve overall system‑level energy savings of 5–10% compared with conventional diesel rigs.
- SWDM 620E weighs 200 tons, delivers a maximum torque of 620 kNm and a drilling diameter up to 3,500 mm, making it suited for massive bridge foundations and high‑speed rail projects.
- The reduced noise and vibration of the electric drive allow the rigs to be used in urban areas with strict environmental regulations.
- The launch event took place in Changsha, China, where the new rigs were displayed alongside Sunward’s broader range of ICE‑ and electric‑powered construction equipment.
Why it matters: Construction firms can now drill deep foundations in remote or noise‑sensitive urban sites without relying on grid power, cutting fuel costs by up to 10% and reducing machine wear, while Sunward captures market share from traditional diesel‑rig suppliers and improves project timelines through faster setup.
Ask SkimNews
