Downer and Fortescue Zero are collaborating to jointly design and develop a Battery Electric Locomotive (BEL)
Together, the two teams will design and develop the world’s most energy-efficient BEL, delivering an innovative zero-emissions solution for heavy haul rail. This will mark a significant step forward to commercialising zero-emissions power system technologies in heavy industry applications.
This collaboration draws on Downer’s rollingstock and engineering experience, combined with Fortescue Zero’s decades-long experience as a heavy haul rail operator and expertise in green technologies and zero-emission power systems.
“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,” said Peter Tompkins, Downer CEO.
“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,” he continued.
The collaboration was announced at InnoTrans 2024, the world’s largest rail transport exhibition attended by over 140,000 people from the global rail industry. Members of both teams signed the collaboration agreement, showing on a world stage Australia’s commitment and capability to contribute to decarbonisation globally. Moving steel from foundries, ore from mines, and assisting other heavy industries like our own metal fabrication sectors, will operate more cheaply, and lighter on the Earth’s climate.
“This collaboration highlights the strengths and capabilities we have in Australia with two leading Australian companies coming to together to tackle a global issue,” Peter concluded.
The proposed heavy haul rail solution has the potential to help Fortescue, as well as other heavy emitters globally, achieve their 2030 decarbonisation goals.
The proposed heavy haul rail solution could also be a platform for developing similar solutions for passenger and other freight applications, marking the beginning of potential long-term relationships between the two organisations.
Fortescue Energy CEO, Mark Hutchinson said, “The signing of this agreement marks a significant step in decarbonising heavy industry. We look forward to working with Downer to develop and deploy some of the world’s most energy-efficient Battery Electric Locomotives.”