Australian iron-ore miner Fortescue has begun commissioning two new battery electric locomotives on its rail network, as it moves to decarbonise its Pilbara iron-ore operations.

Delivered by Progress Rail, the battery electric locomotives will together eliminate about one-million litres a year of diesel.

The new locomotives house the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, with a capacity of 14.5 MWh each and can recover 40% to 60% of energy through regenerative braking. They will operate on renewable power delivered through Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect programme.

“Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them," said Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO Dino Otranto.

“Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task and the commissioning of these battery electric locomotives demonstrates that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.

“For a mining operation of this scale, decarbonisation only works if renewable energy is firm, reliable and available 24/7. That’s why we are building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.

“Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we have already constructed more than 480 km of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara," said Otranto.

At North Star Junction, Fortescue already operates a 100 MW solar farm, which will be supported by a recently installed 250 MWh battery energy storage system capable of delivering up to 50 MW of power for five hours. The system plays a critical role in stabilising renewable supply for Fortescue’s operations.

Building on Fortescue’s solar generation portfolio, construction is progressing at the 190 MW Cloudbreak solar farm, which is about two-thirds complete. Fortescue has also received all primary approvals for the up to 644 MW Turner River solar farm, with construction expected to start later this year, while a 440 MW solar farm at Solomon remains in the near-term pipeline. Together, these projects will expand Fortescue’s renewable-energy footprint in the Pilbara and support delivery of its Real Zero target.

“Battery storage is the backbone of a renewable-powered mining system," said Fortescue growth and energy CEO Gus Pichot.

“By integrating Fortescue Zero’s Elysia battery intelligence and management software, we’re able to optimise performance, extend battery life and intelligently balance energy across the network in real time.

“This technology ensures the right power is available at the right time – whether that’s supporting rail operations, smoothing solar output or maximising the value of stored energy.”