Fortescue Zero and Downer to jointly design and develop world’s most energy efficient Battery Electric Locomotive

Fortescue Zero and Downer have today announced a collaboration to jointly design and develop a Battery Electric Locomotive (BEL), marking an important step forward to the commercialisation of zero emissions power system technologies in heavy industry applications.

The agreement sets forward a path to deliver an innovative zero emissions solution for heavy haul rail that draws on Downer’s rolling stock and engineering experience, combined with Fortescue Zero’s decades long experience as a heavy haul rail operator and expertise in green technologies and zero emissions power systems.

Fortescue Zero and Downer have agreed to jointly design and develop the world’s most energy efficient BEL, which has the potential to help Fortescue achieve its 2030 decarbonisation goals as well as those of other heavy emitters globally.

The proposed heavy haul rail solution could also be a platform that enables similar solutions to be developed for passenger and other freight applications, marking the beginning of a potential long-term relationship between the two organisations.

Announcing the collaboration at InnoTrans in Berlin, the world’s largest rail transport exhibition attended by over 140,000 people from the global rail industry, Fortescue Zero and Downer are showing Australia’s commitment and capability to contribute to decarbonisation globally.

Fortescue Energy CEO, Mark Hutchinson said: “The signing of this agreement with Downer marks a significant step in the decarbonisation of heavy industry. We strongly believe that developing and enhancing green technology is key to addressing climate change.”

“We look forward to working with Downer to develop and deploy some the world’s most energy efficient Battery Electric Locomotives.”

“This collaboration not only creates the opportunity to help Fortescue reach its own decarbonisation targets, it also establishes an important new business growth opportunity.”

Downer CEO, Peter Tompkins said: “As Australia’s leading provider of rail and transit systems, I couldn’t be prouder that Downer will now be a world leader in helping rail eliminate emissions.”

“With 150 years of rail experience including the ability to design, manufacture and maintain rolling stock, as well as through-life-support, Downer is excited about our role in a zero emissions future.”

“This collaboration highlights the strengths and capabilities we have in Australia with two leading Australian companies coming together to tackle a global issue.”

The design and development of zero-emissions Battery Electric Train solutions has the potential to reduce emissions significantly. A typical heavy haul diesel-electric locomotive can consume 1 million litres of fuel per year, which equates to 2,680 tonnes of CO2.

“Zero emissions” when used in relation to vehicles or power systems means that (a) a vehicle’s exhaust, or the power system, only emits water vapour when in operation or (b) the vehicle, or power system, is battery-electric powered without any exhaust emissions.