BHP will purchase four battery-electric locomotives and conduct trials at its Western Australia Iron Ore rail network, as part of the company's ongoing efforts to reduce its operational emissions.
The four locomotives are scheduled for delivery in late 2023. Two will be supplied by BHP's current provider Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, and two from Wabtec.
BHP will test the battery-electric locomotives' performance and emissions reduction capabilities in delivering iron ore from its Pilbara mines to the Port Hedland export facility. Conducting the trials in collaboration with two leading providers will support BHP's planned electrification of its iron ore fleet of more than 180 locomotives.
A full transition to battery-electric locomotives would reduce BHP's WA iron ore diesel-related carbon emissions by approximately 30 per cent annually.
The trials will also test unique 'energy recapture' opportunities using the rail network's natural topography to further reduce the trains' overall power demand. On the way to port, locomotives can capture energy from braking on downhill slopes (energy that would otherwise be lost) and use it to help power empty trains back to the Pilbara.
A fully-laden BHP WA Iron Ore train typically comprises four diesel-electric locomotives pulling approximately 270 cars carrying a total of 38,000 tons of iron ore.
BHP Asset President Western Australia Iron Ore, Brandon Craig
"WA Iron Ore is significant within BHP's global operations, and I am pleased we can play a leading role in helping to develop new and innovative solutions with potential to shape our business for a cleaner future.
"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. Trialling battery-electric locomotives in collaboration with Progress Rail and Wabtec has great potential to support our operational emissions reductions targets and goals."
BHP Group Procurement Officer, James Agar
"Replacing diesel-powered vehicles with electric technology is a key part of our plans to reduce operational emissions, as is partnering with a broad range of global equipment manufacturers and technology providers.
"By working with two global leaders in Progress Rail and Wabtec, we can broaden the scope of our trials and be better informed as we prepare for the planned replacement of our diesel-powered iron ore rail fleet. This is a good first step with significant potential."
Progress Rail President & CEO, Marty Haycraft
"We are excited to support BHP with our EMD® Joule locomotives for deployment on its Pilbara railway. Equipped with the latest technology, our 8-axle, 14.5-MWh battery capacity locomotives provide optimal levels of energy regeneration and will play a pivotal role in helping BHP reach its sustainability goals."
Wabtec President of Freight, Rogerio Mendonca
"The FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive represents the future of sustainable rail operations. The rail and mining industries are on the cusp of technological advancements to equip customers with zero-emission locomotive fleets. The FLXdrive is a major step toward eventually achieving that vision. It will provide BHP with the tractive effort, fuel savings, emissions reductions and reliability to cost effectively run their rail operations."
About BHP
BHP is a leading global resources company. We extract and process minerals, oil and gas, with approximately 80,000 employees and contractors, primarily in Australia and the Americas. Our products are sold worldwide, with sales and marketing led through Singapore and Houston, United States. Our global headquarters are in Melbourne, Australia.
Today's announcement follows recent BHP partnerships with Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu to develop zero emissions haul trucks, and separate agreements for renewable energy supply contracts – at BHP's Escondida, Queensland coal mines, Nickel West and Olympic Dam operations as well as a solar farm at Nickel West.
