What were Europe’s top 10 construction stories in 2021?
05 January 2022
With Covid-19 continuing to cast its shadow across the world, it has been another challenging year for the European construction industry.
However, there has still been plenty of activity as stakeholders continue to adjust to a new normal and carry out business as usual.
We look back at some of the biggest and best stories from throughout the year…
1 – Global construction struggles with materials shortages and prices
Growing supply chain issues are endangering the construction industry’s recovery and with it the economic recovery of many nations worldwide, according to industry analysts and construction trade associations.
The EU has announced a multi-billion-euro plan to boost climate and construction infrastructure
2- EU set to loosen its Belt
The European Union (EU) has announced a multi-billion-euro plan to support construction and climate projects, in what is being seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
3- Why are construction equipment fires increasing?
Insurers and fire chiefs warned that they have seen a recent spike in the number of fires breaking out in off road construction equipment as contractors come under mounting pressure to complete projects delayed by Covid lockdowns. Lucy Barnard found out why.
4 – North Macedonia launches €270m solar project
The government of North Macedonia has revealed plans for a new photovoltaic project with a capacity of between 350 to 400MW and a value of around €270m.
5 – UK announces €760bn infrastructure plan
‘Construction Pipeline’ document outlines huge public and private investment over next 10 years.
6 – Huddig launches ‘world’s first’ hybrid backhoe
Swedish construction equipment manufacturer Huddig is claiming to have the first commercially available diesel-electric hybrid backhoe loader on the market.
JCB has announced another massive recruitment push
7 – JCB creates another 500 jobs
JCB is to recruit another 500 employees and offer permanent contracts to 300 of its existing agency staff, in order to cope with the ongoing surge in market demand for its construction equipment.
8 – Future uncertain for Europe’s largest rail project
There is mounting speculation in the UK over the future of the hugely ambitious High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link, following comments from the transport secretary Grant Shapps.
9 - Top 10 construction companies in Europe 2021
In October, Construction Europe published its 2021 list of the biggest construction companies in Europe.
10 - Europe’s first fully circular energy transition facility underway
Work has begun on Europe’s first fully circular energy transition facility located in Ardersier Port, Scotland. The project will repurpose disused oil rigs to make floating offshore wind farm foundations, as well as establishing a €350 million ‘green steel’ mill and a concrete production plant – these will be powered using resources from the facility.
