In Western Australia, testing began on a new transport solution — a battery locomotive jointly developed by Fortescue and Downer for the launch of a gravity-powered train. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In Western Australia, testing began on a new transport solution — a battery locomotive jointly developed by Fortescue and Downer for the launch of a gravity-powered train
Photo: cleantechnica.com

The Fortescue Zero electric locomotive was deployed on the rail line linking the company’s mine with its export port and will use the natural elevation drop for regenerative braking.

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Loaded trains will descend downhill, generating energy stored in onboard batteries, while the return trip uphill — in an unloaded state — will run on the recovered charge.

This method significantly reduces emissions because the train operates fully autonomously and requires no external charging infrastructure.

The project is part of Fortescue’s Real Zero strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions without relying on offsets or carbon trading.

Andrew Forrest, Executive Chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, actively supports this path toward decarbonization through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Switch to Battery Locomotive as a Key to Real Zero

To implement the project, Fortescue acquired UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering in 2022, a company specializing in battery systems.

Using this expertise, engineers converted a diesel GE 9-44CW locomotive into a fully electric model that no longer depends on fossil fuels.

Battery Locomotive Unveiled at InnoTrans 2024

The new locomotive was first showcased at the InnoTrans exhibition in Berlin in fall 2024, drawing attention from rail operators and environmental experts.

Leveraging gravitational energy for freight transport is not only a technical breakthrough but also a vital step toward a more sustainable future for heavy industry.

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