Fortescue commissions first battery electric locomotives

Fortescue has announced that it has commenced commissioning of two new battery electric locomotives on its rail network, which it says represents a major milestone in the decarbonisation of the company’s Pilbara iron ore operations. Delivered by Progress Rail, the battery electric locomotives will together eliminate the use of around one million litres of diesel each year.

They house what Fortescue says are the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, with a capacity of 14.5 MWh each, and can recover 40–60% of energy through regenerative braking. They will operate on renewable power delivered via Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program.

“Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them,” said Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto. “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,” he added. “Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara.”

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.”

Image: Supplied