Fortescue to develop charger for battery electric mining equipment

Fortescue has been awarded $10 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop a six megawatt (MW) fast charger test unit aimed at the mining industry.

The project involves building, testing and validating multiple test unit chargers with the aim to deploy the first production 6MW charger by the end of 2025.

Developed by Fortescue Zero, the 6MW fast charger will be compatible with a wide range of battery electric heavy mining equipment and designed to meet all operational requirements.

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto said: “As part of our decarbonisation plan, we intend to roll out around 250 fast chargers of varying capacities across our iron ore operations before the end of this decade.

“Not only will this Project serve as a catalyst for demand from external heavy industry customers, but it will also enable a significant reduction in emissions.”

Both charger test and early production units will be assembled and undergo factory acceptance testing at Fortescue Zero’s Research and Development facility in Perth prior to their deployment on site.

Fortescue Zero Chief Executive Officer Ellie Coates said the chargers would leverage the company’s capability in battery and charging solutions from motorsport.

Coates said: “Equipped with robotic connection options, they will be able to power Fortescue’s future 240-tonne Liebherr T 264 battery electric trucks in just 30 minutes.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said heavy haulage trucks were integral to the function of Western Australia’s mining operations but were reliant on fossil fuels.

Wilson said: “Fortescue’s fast charger development is a smart and forward-looking project that will help Western Australia’s mining sector electrify their operations and contribute to the critical task of decarbonising our economy.”

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

Picture: Fortescue