Fortescue launches battery electric locomotives to reduce diesel fuel use in Pilbara Iron Ore

Australian iron ore mining company Fortescue Metals Group has announced that it has begun commissioning two battery electric locomotives on its Pilbara railway network, a significant step in the company's plan to phase out the use of fossil fuels in its iron ore mining operations in line with its "Real Zero" strategy.

The locomotives supplied by the American company Progress Rail are expected to reduce diesel fuel consumption by about 1 million liters per year. Each unit is equipped with a 14.5 MWh rechargeable battery and is capable of recovering 40-60 percent of energy through regenerative braking.

Integration of renewable energy into the Pilbara grid

The locomotives will be powered by renewable electricity supplied by Fortescue's Pilbara Energy Connect program. The company has already installed more than 480 km of high-voltage transmission lines to link its renewable energy assets with mining facilities and railway infrastructure throughout the region.

At North Star Junction, Fortescue already operates a 100 MW solar farm supported by a 250 MWh rechargeable energy storage system capable of delivering up to 50 MW for five hours.

Part of a broader Real Zero decarbonization plan

Construction is also progressing on the 190 MW Cloudbreak solar project, while additional solar developments are planned, including the 644 MW Turner River project and the 440 MW solar farm in Solomon.

Battery-powered locomotives are part of a broader decarbonization program in