Fortescue Rolls Out Battery Trains

According to a report by Mining.com, Australian iron ore producer Fortescue has commissioned two battery electric locomotives in Western Australia's Pilbara region, marking a significant milestone in its decarbonization efforts. The locomotives, supplied by Progress Rail, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, are part of Fortescue's $6.2 billion plan to achieve real zero emissions across its iron ore operations by 2030. Each locomotive features a 14.5 megawatt-hour battery and can recover 40% to 60% of energy through regenerative braking, eliminating around one million litres of diesel per year. This initiative is part of Fortescue's broader push to electrify its 760-kilometre Pilbara network and transition to renewable energy sources, with several major solar and wind projects underway.