Fortescue and Downer aim for battery electric locomotives

Fortescue Zero and engineering company Downer have announced a collaboration to jointly design and develop a Battery Electric Locomotive (BEL), marking an important step forward to the commercialisation of zero emissions power system technologies in heavy industry applications.

The agreement sets forward a path to deliver an innovative zero emissions solution for heavy haul rail that draws on Downer’s rolling stock and engineering experience, combined with Fortescue Zero’s decades long experience as a heavy haul rail operator and expertise in green technologies.

Also today Fortescue Metals and Liebherr announced a $2.8 billion deal to acquire 475 zero emission mining trucks, excavators and dozers (see separate story here).

Fortescue Zero and Downer said the BEL had the potential to help Fortescue achieve its 2030 decarbonisation goals as well as those of other heavy emitters globally.

The rail solution could also be a platform that could be developed for passenger and other freight applications.

Downer CEO Peter Tompkins said: “As Australia’s leading provider of rail and transit systems, I couldn’t be prouder that Downer will now be a world leader in helping rail eliminate emissions.”

“With 150 years of rail experience including the ability to design, manufacture and maintain rolling stock, as well as through-life-support, Downer is excited about our role in a zero emissions future.”

“This collaboration highlights the strengths and capabilities we have in Australia with two leading Australian companies coming together to tackle a global issue.”

A typical heavy haul diesel-electric locomotive can consume 1 million litres of fuel per year, which equates to 2,680 tonnes of CO2.

‘Zero emissions’ when used in relation to vehicles or power systems means that (a) a vehicle’s exhaust, or the power system, only emits water vapour when in operation or (b) the vehicle, or power system, is battery-electric powered without any exhaust emissions.

Further reading:
Fortescue and Liebherr’s $2.8 billion green mining equipment deal

Picture: fortescue.com