The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), on behalf of the Federal Government, has granted $9.4 million in funding for a new project to electrify rail freight transport of commodities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The grant was awarded to Aurizon Operations to contribute to an $18.8 million Battery Powered Tender for Heavy Haul Fleet Decarbonisation project, a world-first proof of concept rail tender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project is expected to develop, test and trial a battery electric tender (BET) to power a diesel-electric locomotive in a hybrid diesel and battery configuration, designed to cut emissions from Australia\u2019s resources industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ARENA Chief Executive Officer, Darren Miller, said the project is addressing an emissions challenge in one of Australia\u2019s largest industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAurizon\u2019s battery electric tender is a world first that hopes to pave the way for the rail freight industry and help the resources on its decarbonisation journey,\u201d Mr Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The BET prototype will consist of a purpose-built wagon housing a 1.8MWh battery. There is the potential that, at scale and with the use of regenerative braking, a BET could enable a power transition from diesel to electricity when coupled with a modified diesel electric locomotive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, when coupled with future battery electric locomotives, the BET will potentially provide all the power required for up to 50 per cent of Aurizon\u2019s commercial haul routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery electric locomotion offers a pathway to decarbonising rail freight using existing rail infrastructure, without electrifying railway lines at potentially much greater cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project partner Alta Battery Technology is expected to design and construct the unit in Australia, which will be deployed hauling raw materials for an Aurizon customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project will also see the installation of associated charging infrastructure at an Aurizon customer site. Engineering consultants will provide technical services and engineering work for the charging infrastructure connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aurizon is Australia\u2019s largest rail freight operator, with around 700 active locomotives hauling over 15,000 wagons of product across Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rail transport emissions from Australia\u2019s heavy haul freight industry accounts for more than 4Mt of CO\u2082e, or 0.8 per cent of Australia\u2019s total greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bulk of these emissions are in service of Australia\u2019s resource industry, which relies on heavy rail freight haulage to transport commodities from remote mine sites to ports and refineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe resources industry is a pillar of the Australian economy, but also accounts for a significant share of emissions,\u201d Mr Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cARENA is investing in the technological solutions that will enable the sector to reduce emissions across its operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project design is currently underway, with Aurizon expecting the unit to commence trial operations in early 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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