Innovative battery electric locomotive development to begin in Australia, marking a step forward in environmentally friendly freight transportation, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Fortescue and Downer Launch Zero-Emission Battery Locomotive Project
Photo, video: Downer

Fortescue and Downer announced a joint project at InnoTrans 2024 aimed at creating a zero-emission locomotive.

New Double-Decker Regional Trains for Australia Debut at InnoTrans

This locomotive will be designed for heavy freight transportation and will play a key role in helping Fortescue achieve its carbon reduction goals by 2030.

There is potential for a similar model to be developed for passenger transport in the future.

Fortescue, one of the world’s largest mining companies, specializes in the extraction and transportation of iron ore in Western Australia.

Its 260-kilometer railway network connects mines in Newman and Port Hedland, and the company operates a fleet of 45 locomotives and over 3,200 freight wagons.

Reducing environmental impact is crucial for the company, and the new battery electric locomotive could be a key element in its decarbonization strategy.

Australian engineering group Downer, particularly its Downer Rail division, has extensive experience in the production and maintenance of rolling stock.

The company actively develops technologies for electric trains and locomotives, making it an ideal partner for creating innovative rail transport solutions.

The new project promises not only to improve the environmental performance of railways but also to position Australia at the forefront of zero-emission technology on the global stage.

Photo, video: Downer.

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