Australia’s first purpose-built battery-electric locomotives (BELs) are ready to get to work in Western Australia’s mining sector.
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said the two BELs, delivered in partnership with Wabtec, were fully battery-powered heavy-haul units that would be trialled on BHP’s iron ore rail routes between its Pilbara mines and Port of Port Hedland operations.
Mr Day said the trains were purpose-built to withstand the region’s extreme heat and demanding conditions and would deliver high performance while aiming to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.
He said each locomotive featured a 7 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery system and regenerative braking technology, which captured energy during downhill braking and fed it back into the battery to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
“It’s incredible to see these battery-electric locos in Port Hedland – the first new models in Australia, and representing years of planning, problem solving and partnership.
“It marks the beginning of an important trial to understand how this technology can help us reduce diesel use, lower associated operational greenhouse gas emissions and improve efficiency across our rail network.”
Wabtec Regional Senior Vice President for ANZ & SEA Peter Thomas said the battery-electric locomotives marked a significant milestone for heavy-haul rail innovation in the Pilbara.
“These FLXDrive locomotives are purpose-built to perform in one of the world’s most demanding environments, combining advanced battery technology and regenerative braking to deliver high efficiency and lower emissions,” Mr Thomas said.
“Together, we are demonstrating how cutting-edge solutions can help meet the region’s operational needs while supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.”
