Battery-electric locomotives debut on Fortescue’s Pilbara rail network

Battery-electric locomotives are now part of Fortescue’s rail operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Fortescue launched two new units alongside its fleet of 70 diesel-powered trains, as reported by Rail Express.

Battery-electric locomotives and the 14.5 MWh batteries

Manufactured by Progress Rail, the locomotives house the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, according to Fortescue. Each unit has a capacity of 14.5 megawatt-hours and is designed to recover 40–60 per cent of energy through regenerative braking, helping return power during operations rather than losing it as heat.

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In addition, Fortescue said the pair will together eliminate around one million litres of diesel each year. The company also framed the move as a critical step in its broader decarbonisation push, with rail flagged as a major focus area for reducing fuel use across heavy-haul movements.

Pilbara Energy Connect and renewable power for the rail network

Fortescue said the battery-electric locomotives will operate on renewable power delivered via Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program. Through Pilbara Energy Connect, Fortescue has so far constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking its energy assets to its operations and rail network, as previously covered by Railway Supply.

At the same time, Otranto added that the build-out is intended to enable renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara. The same program is presented as the backbone for supplying firm, reliable electricity to major assets and rail activities as Fortescue shifts away from fossil fuels.

“Real Zero” by 2030 and industry comments

Meanwhile, the rollout is tied to Fortescue’s bid to reach “real zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer, said: “Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them.

“Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task, and the commissioning of these battery electric locomotives demonstrates that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.

“For a mining operation of this scale, decarbonisation only works if renewable energy is firm, reliable and available 24/7. That’s why we’re building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.”

Separately, Progress Rail President and Chief Executive Officer, John Newman said: “Our relationship with Fortescue reflects what is possible when two organisations share a commitment to advancing the future of rail.

“We are proud to deliver rail solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges, and we look forward to continuing to deliver products that enhance safety, reliability, and sustainable performance across the rail network.”

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