The feasibility study will explore the application of Anglo American’s proprietary hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid power units in heavy haul freight rail operations. If the study is successful, the agreement between the two companies could be extended to further phases of collaboration, which could include detailed engineering and the development of a hydrogen fueled heavy haul locomotive prototype.
The study will focus on the potential deployment of Anglo American’s hydrogen power technology on Aurizon’s Moura rail corridor that operates between Anglo American’s Dawson metallurgical coal mine and the Gladstone Port, and the Mount Isa rail corridor that operates between the Northwest Minerals Province to Townsville Port, via Aurizon’s Stuart Terminal.
Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight company, with the decarbonization of its supply chains at the center of its target to reach net zero operational emissions by 2050. Aurizon has also commenced R&D for battery-powered trains with several industry parties and Australian universities.
“Zero-carbon hydrogen-powered trains would significantly boost the current environmental benefits of transporting more of Australia’s bulk freight on rail,” said Aurizon’s managing director and CEO Andrew Harding. “Aurizon is excited to be teaming up with Anglo American on this project, particularly given their success to date in developing unique technology solutions for use in mine haul fleets.”
Tony O’Neill, technical director of Anglo American, added, “Our agreement with Aurizon marks the first time our hydrogen power technology could be tested beyond our existing mine haul truck program. Displacing our use of diesel is critical to eliminating emissions at our sites and along our value chain. We believe that our innovative hydrogen-led technology provides a versatile solution, whether for trucks or trains or other forms of heavy-duty transport.”