Fortescue’s decarbonization journey has taken a major step forward. WAE Technologies recently delivered the largest battery of its kind, ready to be installed in a prototype zero-emission battery-electric haul truck that Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) is developing with Liebherr. The 1.4-megawatt-hour prototype power system will be integrated into a 240-ton haul truck.
“WAE and Fortescue are working together to seek to decarbonize faster and more effectively than any other major industrial company in the world,” Fortescue Future Industries CEO Mark Hutchinson said. “The battery system, designed for our zero-emission battery electric mining haul trucks is an important part of our strategy to reach real zero terrestrial emissions (Scope 1 and 2) across our iron operations by 2030.” FMG has committed to a $6.2 billion decarbonization strategy that includes replacing its diesel-fueled fleet with battery electric and green hydrogen-powered haul trucks.
“This marks the latest milestone in the rapid development of state-of-the-art zero-emission technology for Fortescue’s mining trucks,” WAE Technologies CEO Craig Wilson said. “This high-performance power system not only boasts the highest energy storage of its kind, but will also be the first to offer 30-min fast charging.” The battery weighs 15 ton and measures 3.6-m long, 1.6-m wide and 2.4-m high, and is made up of eight sub-packs, each with 36 modules, all individually cooled and each with its own battery management system.
