The new 8-axle locomotives will have an energy capacity of 14.5 megawatt hours and will be manufactured at the Progress Rail facility in Sete Lagoas, Brazil. Fortescue is expected to take delivery of its first battery-powered locomotive in 2023.
Fortescue CEO, Elizabeth Gaines said, “The purchase of these new battery powered locomotives marks an important milestone in the decarbonization of Fortescue’s locomotive fleet and demonstrates our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, as we diversify from a pure play iron ore producer to a green renewables and resources company. The new locomotives will cut our emissions while reducing our fuel costs and our overall operational expense through lower maintenance spend.
“The acquisition builds on the work being carried out by Fortescue Future Industries’ Green Team in Hazelmere to deliver locomotives operating solely on green ammonia and other green renewable fuels and technologies,” Gaines added.
Marty Haycraft, president and CEO of Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, continued, “We are pleased to be working with the Fortescue team to determine the application, feasibility, and suitability of battery electric technology for deployment on its railway and to manufacture two of our BE14.5BB locomotives for this important project.”