AUSTRALIA: Mining company BHP has awarded Progress Rail and Wabtec contracts to supply four battery locomotives for trials on its Western Australia Iron Ore network from late 2023.
Progress Rail is to supply two EMD Joule eight-axle locomotives with a battery capacity of 14·5 MWh, while Wabtec is to supply two of its 7 MWh FLXdrive battery locos.
The company will work with the suppliers to compare the performance and emissions reduction capabilities of battery traction to support the planned electrification of its iron ore fleet, which currently comprises more than 180 high horsepower diesel locomotives. A key element will be to assess the potential for capturing regenerated braking energy on the loaded downhill runs, and storing it to power empty trains back uphill to the mines.
‘Rail is the fundamental link in our pit-to-port value chain, and the power required to deliver fully-laden iron ore wagons from the Pilbara to Port Hedland is significant’, explained Brandon Craig, BHP Asset President Western Australia Iron Ore, on January 16. ‘Trialling battery-electric locomotives in collaboration with Progress Rail and Wabtec has great potential to support our operational emissions reductions targets and goals.’
BHP estimates that a full transition to battery-electric locomotives would reduce its Western Australia iron ore diesel-related carbon emissions by approximately 30%.
Other Western Australian mining railways have also announced plans to trial battery traction. Fortescue Metals Group has ordered two EMD Joules and Rio Tinto four Wabtec FLXdrives. Roy Hill ordered an initial FLXdrive in September 2021.
‘The rail and mining industries are on the cusp of technological advancements to equip customers with zero-emission locomotive fleets’, said Rogerio Mendonca, President of Freight Equipment for Wabtec.
