Electric heavy haul loco to start work in Qld coal chain

<p>The first electric AC heavy haul locomotive to be built and operated in Australia will soon start work in the Goonyella coal system in the Bowen Basin. </p> <p>QR has begun operating the loco out of its Jilalan depot, near Mackay.</p> <p>The first three of the rebuilt locomotives have been delivered, with an additional 60 locomotives to be delivered over the next three years. </p> <p>QRNational group general manager Clive Oldfield said the rebuilt locomotives would deliver a 67% improvement in haulage capacity, while using recycled energy.</p> <p>&#8220What this means is that three of the rebuilt locomotives will be able to do the job currently performed by five,&#8221 Mr Oldfield said.</p> <p>&#8220These locos now also have the potential for regenerative braking, which sends recycled energy back into the overhead power system, which is good news for our environment.&#8221</p> <p>QR chief executive Bob Scheuber said the locomotive rebuild was part of QR’s five-year $3.5 bn Coal Rail Program, which includes both rail infrastructure and rollingstock fleet enhancement projects.</p> <p>&#8220Current industry forecasts indicate the demand for coal railings in Queensland will increase to between 215m and 220m tonnes per annum by 2009&#4710,&#8221 Mr Scheuber said. </p> <p>&#8220The improved coal haulage capacity of these locos will enable QR to better meet this increased demand.&#8221</p> <br />