Fortescue marks Real Zero milestone with battery electric locomotives commissioning

Fortescue has commenced commissioning of two new battery electric locomotives on its rail network, representing a major milestone in the decarbonisation of the Company’s Pilbara iron ore operations.

Delivered by Progress Rail, the battery electric locomotives will together eliminate around one million litres of diesel each year.

They house the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, with a capacity of 14.5MWh each and can recover 40–60 per cent of energy through regenerative braking. They will operate on renewable power delivered via Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program.

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

“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’re building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.

“Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480 kilometres 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.”

Progress Rail President and Chief Executive Officer, John Newman said: “Our relationship with Fortescue reflects what is possible when two organisations share a commitment to advancing the future of rail.

“We are proud to deliver rail solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges, and we look forward to continuing to deliver products that enhance safety, reliability, and sustainable performance across the rail network.”

At North Star Junction, Fortescue already operates a 100MW solar farm, which will be supported by a recently installed 250MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of delivering up to 50MW 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 190MW Cloudbreak Solar Farm, which is around two thirds complete. Fortescue has also received all primary approvals for the up to 644MW Turner River Solar Farm, with construction anticipated to commence later this year, while a 440MW 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.

Fortescue Growth and Energy Chief Executive Officer Gus Pichot said: “Battery storage is the backbone of a renewable-powered mining system.

“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.”

Together, Fortescue’s growing portfolio of solar, wind, battery storage and electrified transmission infrastructure represents the most comprehensive decarbonisation program underway in the global mining sector.

Other Pilbara decarbonisation milestones include:

• Commencement of construction of Fortescue’s first Pilbara wind project, the Nullagine Wind Project
• Expansion of electric mining equipment, with one electric drill and 12 electric excavators now operational across multiple sites
• Strategic global partnerships across solar, wind, energy storage and electrified heavy equipment, supporting large-scale deployment
• Investment in next-generation renewable technology, including acquisition of Nabrawind to support future Pilbara wind projects

Fortescue’s Climate Transition Plan sets out the pathway to deliver the Company’s Real Zero Target, eliminating Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its Australian terrestrial iron ore operations by the end of 2030.

Imagery is available here.