The primary brand-new, purpose-built battery-electric locomotives (BELs) in Australia have arrived in Port Hedland, Western Australia with the Wabtec FLXDrive locomotives set to be trialled on BHP’s iron ore rail routes between its Pilbara mines and Port Hedland operations.
The 2 BELs, delivered in partnership with Wabtec, are absolutely battery-powered heavy-haul models, that includes a 7 MWh battery system and regenerative braking know-how, which captures power throughout downhill braking and feeds it again into the battery to enhance effectivity and scale back waste.
Objective-built to resist the area’s excessive warmth and demanding circumstances, the BELs have been designed to ship excessive efficiency whereas aiming to scale back operational greenhouse fuel emissions (Scopes 1 and a pair of), BHP says.
As soon as safely commissioned, the BELs will bear monitor trials to check the know-how in real-world circumstances.
The agreements associated to the supply of those BELs was signed again in 2022, with plans for them to be delivered in 2023.
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, Tim Day, mentioned: “It’s unbelievable to see these battery-electric locos in Port Hedland – the primary new fashions in Australia, and representing years of planning, downside fixing and partnership. It marks the start of an essential trial to grasp how this know-how may also help us scale back diesel use, decrease related operational greenhouse fuel emissions and enhance effectivity throughout our rail community.
“The Pilbara has all the time been a spot of massive ambition, and these locomotives characterize the type of innovation that’s wanted to maintain the area firing.”
Wabtec’s Regional Senior Vice President for ANZ & SEA, Peter Thomas, mentioned: “The arrival of Australia’s first battery-electric locomotives marks a major milestone for heavy-haul rail innovation within the Pilbara.
“Wabtec is proud to accomplice with BHP on this essential step towards decarbonising rail operations. These FLXDrive locomotives are purpose-built to carry out in one of many world’s most demanding environments, combining superior battery know-how and regenerative braking to ship excessive effectivity and decrease emissions.
“Collectively, we’re demonstrating how cutting-edge options may also help meet the area’s operational wants whereas supporting the business’s sustainability targets.”
