Decentralization of energy supply is changing how electricity and heat are generated, distributed, and used. From rooftop photovoltaics to neighborhood storage to microgrids, generation is moving closer to consumption. This has practical consequences for planning, construction, and deconstruction of in-service infrastructure: buildings, shafts, foundations, routes, and systems must be retrofitted, expanded, or selectively deconstructed. This is precisely where energy and construction technology meet. Tools and methods from Darda GmbH—such as concrete demolition shear or hydraulic wedge splitter—are used in the applications mentioned when low vibration levels, precision, and material separation are required.
Definition: What is meant by decentralization of energy supply
Decentralization refers to shifting energy generation and storage away from a few central large power plants toward many smaller, distributed units. These include photovoltaic systems on buildings, onshore wind power, biomass, geothermal and small hydropower plants, combined heat and power units, battery storage as well as load management and sector coupling (power, heat, mobility). Characteristic features are short transport distances, modular scalability, grid stability through intelligent control, and integration into neighborhoods and industrial sites. Technically, this requires construction adjustments: new foundations, cable duct, transformer stations, shafts, breakthroughs, noise control and fire protection—often in existing structures and during ongoing operations.
Infrastructure and construction processes for distributed generation and storage
Decentralized systems need physical infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of consumers. In existing structures, this means selective interventions in concrete, masonry, steel, and natural stone, precise openings, and low-vibration dismantling. In the application areas concrete demolition and special deconstruction, building gutting and concrete cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special demolition, specialized tools from Darda GmbH are used.
Foundations, cable ducts, and switch rooms
New transformers, inverters, or battery storage units require load-bearing foundations, installation areas, and accessible control cabinets. In existing buildings, this entails openings, recesses, and niches. Concrete demolition shear enable controlled notching of reinforced components with low dust and noise emission; Hydraulic rock and concrete splitters separate massive components with low stress, for example during foundation enlargements. Hydraulic shear and cutting tool help separate heterogeneous layers of concrete, reinforcement, and embedded parts. Hydraulic power pack provide the required power supply for these tools, even in confined conditions.
Underground networks and microgrids
Medium-voltage and control lines require shafts, horizontal drilling, and ducts. In cities or rocky subsoil, low vibration levels are crucial. Rock Splitters are suitable for precise rock breakout, while concrete demolition shear cut through existing shaft heads and slabs without overstressing adjacent components. In rock excavation and tunnel construction, this achieves short construction times and safe installation of cable routes and microgrid components.
Selective deconstruction as the key to retrofits
Retrofitting existing buildings for distributed generation requires selective deconstruction. The goal is to remove exactly those components that must make way for a decentralized solution while maximizing preservation of the load-bearing structure. Concrete demolition shear support this approach through metered, low-constraint removal. Hydraulic wedge splitter are used when massive elements such as machine foundations or thick pedestals need to be split with minimal damage.
Typical workflows in existing structures
- Survey, structural analysis and utility line checks, defining the cut lines
- Building gutting and concrete cutting of claddings, shafts, non-load-bearing walls, and installations
- Selective separation of reinforcement and steel beams with steel shear and hydraulic shear
- Removal, sorting, and haulage for recycling
- Creating new openings, bearings, and installation surfaces for decentralized components
Low-noise and low-vibration methods in urban environments
Neighborhood solutions, district heating, and rooftop PV often arise in densely built areas. Construction methods there must protect the surroundings. Hydraulic wedge splitter generate no impact oscillations like breaker hammers, reducing vibration and protecting adjacent components. Concrete demolition shear reduce secondary breakage and dust because they nibble material in a controlled manner instead of shattering it. This helps minimize emissions and avoid disturbing sensitive environments—such as laboratories, data centers, or ongoing production areas.
Technological fundamentals and grid integration
Decentralized systems combine generators (PV, wind, CHP), storage (batteries, thermal storage), and control (energy management, load shifting). For construction integration, the steps typically include: creating space, cable routing, foundation work, installation, and commissioning. Each step places specific demands on tools and methods. Hydraulic power pack supply concrete demolition shear, hydraulic shear, and cutting tools with power so that precise openings for conduits, ventilation, and fire stop can be created. In concrete demolition and special demolition, this creates penetration depth for grounding systems, cable handover points, and transformer pits.
Interfaces in the microgrid
Power feed-throughs, busbar rooms, and transformer cells require defined edges, tolerances, and surfaces. Tools from Darda GmbH enable edge-near processing without large-scale damage. This facilitates subsequent lining with fire protection components and the precise installation of equipment.
Safety, environment, and permitting in the context of decentralized systems
Construction and deconstruction works around electrical installations require a systematic safety concept. This includes utility power isolation, grounding, coverings, barriers, and a low-dust approach. Water and soil protection must be considered for foundation work and cable trenches. Legal requirements, standards, and authority conditions may vary by project; early coordination is advisable and should be project-specific. The separation of construction materials promotes resource conservation and supports compliance with environmental requirements.
Handling tanks and media-carrying components
When deconstructing old heating oil or process collection tanks and converting to new storage systems, controlled, function-appropriate separation is required. Cutting torch and steel shear can help safely cut tank shells, manways, and connections. Before starting, residual media must be removed, potential gases checked, and suitable protective measures defined. Work should aim for minimal spark generation, suitable dust extraction, and orderly material removal.
Circular economy and urban mining in the energy sector
Concrete demolition shear allow removal of reinforcement covered by concrete so that steel can be recycled and concrete broken and reused. Steel shear cut profiles and beams by type. With hydraulic wedge splitter, natural and concrete stones can be released in defined formats, simplifying transport and processing. This shortens disposal routes and improves the project’s carbon footprint.
Practice-oriented project scenarios
The following scenarios show typical interfaces between decentralized energy and construction implementation:
- Neighborhood storage and district heating: Construction of transformer pits, foundation slab, and wall openings in existing basements. Concrete demolition shear minimize vibration, while cable cutter tool cut utility line bundles and anchor.
- Rooftop PV with battery storage: Openings for riser shafts, load reduction on floor slab, local reinforcements. Hydraulic wedge splitter split thicker upstands without significantly affecting the waterproofing layer.
- Onshore wind and small hydropower: Adaptation of foundations, cable shaft, and intake areas. Rock wedge splitter and concrete demolition shear enable precise interventions in rock and concrete.
- Industrial retrofit: Deconstruction of boiler installations, tanks, and steel platforms in favor of CHP units or electrified processes. Steel shear and cutting torch separate steel components, while hydraulic shear process composite structures.
Selection of tools and methods in the context of project goals
The selection depends on material, component thickness, degree of reinforcement, accessibility, and emission requirements. Concrete demolition shear are suitable for reinforced components requiring precise edges and minimal edge breakouts. Hydraulic wedge splitter play to their strengths on massive, thick components when vibration and noise must be limited. Hydraulic shear and cutting tool offer flexibility with changing materials, steel shear provide high cutting performance in metal, and cutting torch supports proper disassembly of enclosed vessels. Hydraulic power pack must be planned so that the project’s power demand, accessibility, and emission requirements are met.
Coordination with grid operators and construction sequence
Work on or near electrical installations should be coordinated with shutdown windows, wiring diagram, and acceptance processes. A methodical approach—from defining the separation cut to the sequence of dismantling through to final cleaning—shortens downtime and facilitates commissioning of microgrids, storage, and control technology.
Quality assurance and documentation
Measurable quality goals (cut edges, flatness, tolerances) and environmental goals (dust, noise, vibration) should be defined and monitored. This includes protocols for construction waste sorting, evidence of proper disposal, photo documentation, and as-built documentation for cable routes and openings. Clean documentation supports later maintenance operations of decentralized systems and improves operational safety.