Australian energy and metals giant Fortescue is developing a Battery Electric Locomotive (BEL), as it looks to help decarbonise heavy industry.
Fortescue Energy CEO Mark Hutchinson said Fortescue Zero and Downer would collaborate to jointly design and develop the BEL, “marking an important step forward to the commercialisation of zero emissions power system technologies in heavy industry applications”.
Mr Hutchinson said the agreement would deliver a zero emissions solution for heavy haul rail that draws on Downer’s rolling stock and engineering experience, combined with Fortescue Zero’s experience as a heavy haul rail operator and expertise in green technologies and zero emissions power systems.
He said the project had the potential to help Fortescue achieve its 2030 decarbonisation goals as well as those of other heavy emitters globally.
“The proposed heavy haul rail solution could also be a platform that enables similar solutions to be developed for passenger and other freight applications, marking the beginning of a potential long-term relationship between the two organisations.
“The signing of this agreement with Downer marks a significant step in the decarbonisation of heavy industry. We strongly believe that developing and enhancing green technology is key to addressing climate change.”
He said the development of zero-emissions Battery Electric Train solutions had the potential to reduce emissions significantly, with a typical heavy haul diesel-electric locomotive consuming 1 million litres of fuel per year, which equates to 2680 tonnes of CO2.
