Wabtec Lands FLXdrive Order From Australian Mining Company

Four FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives from Wabtec will start running in 2023 along mining company Rio Tinto’s western Australian rail network, the manufacturer reported on Jan. 10.

Rio Tinto will use the locomotives in the mineral-rich Pilbara region to help it “achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030,” according to Wabtec.

On order is the newest version of the FLXdrive battery-electric unit, which features an energy capacity of 7 megawatt-hours (MWh). Applications will include switching and ultimately main line service.

“In main line operations, Rio Tinto currently uses three diesel-electric locomotives in a consist to pull trains with 240 cars hauling about 28,000 tons of iron ore,” Wabtec said. “The FLXdrives will transition from the diesel locomotives in main line service to form a hybrid consist, and recharge during the trip through regenerative braking and at charging stations.

Wabtec’s next-generation energy-management software system will determine the optimal times to discharge and recharge the batteries along to route, ensuring the most fuel-efficient operation of the entire locomotive consist during the trip.”

Based on the route from the mine to the port at Dampier and Rio Tinto’s main line operations, the FLXdrive is anticipated to reduce the company’s fuel costs and emissions in percentage by “double digits” per train, according to Wabtec.

“Our partnership with Wabtec is an investment in innovation and an acknowledgment of the need to increase the pace of our decarbonization efforts,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore Managing Director of Port, Rail and Core Services Richard Cohen said.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Rio Tinto and support their efforts to reduce emissions and operating costs with the FLXdrive battery locomotive,” said Wendy McMillan, Wabtec’s Regional Senior Vice President South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

“The rapid adoption of the FLXdrive by Rio Tinto and other mining operators demonstrates the industry’s commitment to decarbonizing their operations,” Wabtec President of Freight Equipment Rogerio Mendonca said. “This solution represents a major step toward achieving zero-emission locomotive fleets in the future.”