ARENA supports rail charging solution for heavy mining vehicles

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a $9 million grant to BluVein in support of a dynamic charging technology to reduce emissions in the Australian mining sector.

The funding will allow BluVein to trial its ‘hammer-and-rail’ dynamic charging technology designed for heavy haulage battery electric mining vehicles, which will facilitate safe electric powering and charging in motion.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said BluVein aims to prove what innovative technology can offer Australia’s most energy-intensive industries.

“Australia’s heavy industries are a major source of emissions and energy use. If we’re serious about hitting our climate targets, we need bold solutions,” he said. “BluVein’s innovative hammer-and-rail technology could offer a solution for Australia’s reliance on billions of litres of diesel fuel by using renewable energy delivered through the grid to power mining haul trucks.”

BluVein will first develop and trial a 40–60 tonne prototype truck integrated with BluVein’s charging technology (BluVein1, approximately 1 MW), for underground mining use, before extending the development of its technology for ultra-class heavy surface haulage trucking, with the BluVeinXL hammer and rail (approximately 8 MW).

The scalable system is designed to reduce mining emissions, enhance worker safety through its protected rail design and adapt to any mine layout, optimising efficiency and productivity across diverse mining environments.

BluVein CEO James Oliver said the company is thrilled to receive ARENA’s $9 million grant to trial its innovative hammer-and-rail dynamic charging technology for heavy mining vehicles.

“This project, supported by ARENA, will demonstrate how BluVein1 and BluVeinXL can decarbonise Australia’s mining sector by enabling safe, in-motion electrification,” he said. “By reducing diesel reliance, we aim to lower emissions and enhance operational efficiency, paving the way for sustainable mining practices.”

Image credit: BluVein.