The rollout of fiber is accelerating rapidly. Even within technological progress, there is room for greater sustainability. Eurofiber and partner Circet are taking an important step toward a zero-emission future with their first fully electric worksite in Asse. This pilot project demonstrates that infrastructure works can be carried out in a more environmentally friendly and quieter way, without compromising efficiency.
A first for Belgium: zero-emission operations in practice
Tomorrow’s digital infrastructure requires not only speed and reliability, but also sustainability. That is why Eurofiber and implementation partner Circet launched their first fully electric worksite in Asse. A first within Belgium’s fiber rollout and a promising test for the worksites of the future.
“We don’t want sustainability to remain a concept on paper, we want to bring it into practice,” says Patrick Block, Head of Transformation and ESG Lead at Circet Belgium. “With this test, we explore how we can make our daily operations more sustainable, from using electric machinery to reducing emissions and noise pollution on site.”
For the teams in the field, it was an entirely new experience. “It takes some getting used to, but the machines perform excellently,” says Jamal Markab, Project Manager at Circet. “Working without noise and diesel fumes makes a huge difference. It’s clear that this is the future.”
Quiet, emission-free and efficient: positive results on site
For the first time, a fully electric excavator was deployed during this pilot project. The results were positive: less noise, no exhaust gases and a more pleasant working environment, not only for workers, but also for local residents and nearby businesses.
“Switching to electric equipment naturally requires investments,” adds Jeroen Kanselaar, ESG Manager at Eurofiber. “But it is a logical next step in our ambition to make our entire value chain more sustainable, from design to execution. Every ton of CO₂ that we avoid brings us closer to our goals.”
Towards a broader rollout of electric worksites in Belgium
For Eurofiber, this test reinforces its role as a driver of innovation within the sector.
“Sustainability is not a side note for Eurofiber, it is an integral part of our strategy,” says Hans Witdouck, Managing Director of Eurofiber Belgium. “The digital infrastructure we build today must not only be high-performing, but also contribute to a more livable future. Together with partners like Circet, we are making that vision concrete.”
The results of the pilot project in Asse are now being further analyzed. Based on these insights, Eurofiber and Circet will determine how electric worksites can be rolled out more broadly across Belgium. This step marks the beginning of a larger transition toward more sustainable infrastructure construction.
The pilot in Asse stands as an inspiring example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand and how tomorrow’s fiber networks will be deployed not only faster but also greener.
