Mining company Fortescue has launched two battery-electric locomotives, adding to its fleet of 70 diesel-powered trains operating in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
Manufactured by Progress Rail, the new locomotives house the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, which have a capacity of 14.5 megawatt-hours each and can recover 40–60 per cent of energy through regenerative braking.
Fortescue said the locomotives will operate on renewable power delivered via Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program and will together eliminate around one million litres of diesel each year.
The move is a critical step in the iron ore giant’s bid to reach “real zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer, said: “Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them.
“Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task, and the commissioning of these battery electric locomotives demonstrates that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.
“For a mining operation of this scale, decarbonisation only works if renewable energy is firm, reliable and available 24/7. That’s why we’re building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.”
Through Pilbara Energy Connect, Fortescue has so far constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking its energy assets to its operations and rail network.
“This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara,” Otranto added.
Progress Rail President and Chief Executive Officer, John Newman said: “Our relationship with Fortescue reflects what is possible when two organisations share a commitment to advancing the future of rail.
“We are proud to deliver rail solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges, and we look forward to continuing to deliver products that enhance safety, reliability, and sustainable performance across the rail network.”
