New battery electric locomotives arrive in Australia
The battery-electric locomotives (BELs) in question have been purpose-built for the mining company BHP, for use by its mines in western Australia.
The BELs were built by Wabtec, a Pittsburgh-based locomotive, freight & rail company, and have been designed specifically for the region’s ‘extreme heat and demanding conditions’. In terms of spec, both locomotives feature 7 MWh battery systems and regenerative braking, which BHP states will capture energy during downhill braking.
Once the BELs are safety commissioned, they will be trialled under real-world conditions on the iron ore routes before entering regular operation.
Peter Thomas, Wabtec Regional SVP for ANZ & SEA, said: “The arrival of Australia’s first battery-electric locomotives marks a significant milestone for heavy-haul rail innovation in the Pilbara. […] These FLXDrive locomotives are purpose-built to perform in one of the world’s most demanding environments, combining advanced battery technology and regenerative braking to deliver high efficiency and lower emissions.”
BHP’s Iron Ore Asset President for Western Australia, Tim Day, added: “It’s incredible to see these battery-electric locos in Port Hedland – the first new models in Australia, and representing years of planning, problem solving and partnership. It marks the beginning of an important trial to understand how this technology can help us reduce diesel use, lower associated operational greenhouse gas emissions and improve efficiency across our rail network.”
BHP isn’t the only Australian mining company to receive electric locomotives from Wabtec. Other players including Rio Tinto, Roy Hill and others have ordered BELs from Wabtec in the past, all for rail haulage purposes in the mining industry.
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