Fortescue, a global green energy company, has developed a 1.4 MWh prototype battery system in collaboration with equipment maker Liebherr.
The battery system, which was completed and delivered by UK-based engineering company WAE Technologies (acquired by Fortescue in March 2022), will be assembled and installed in a 240-tonne mining haul truck.
The truck will then be transported to the Pilbara in Western Australia for testing. This battery system marks several industry firsts, including its 1.4 MWh energy storage capacity, fast-charge capability in 30 minutes, and ability to regenerate power while driving downhill.
A team of 50 engineers and technicians designed the 15-tonne power system, measuring 3.6 meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and 2.4 meters high. The system is composed of eight sub-packs, each containing 36 modules that are individually cooled and equipped with their own battery management system.
Fortescue plans to incorporate the battery system into its $6.2 billion strategy to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in its terrestrial iron ore operations, which involves replacing diesel haul trucks with electric battery and green hydrogen-powered trucks.
“Today marks the latest milestone in the rapid development of state-of-the-art zero emission technology for Fortescue’s mining trucks. This high-performance power system not only boasts the highest energy storage of its kind, but will also be the first to offer 30-minute fast charging.” said WAE Technologies CEO Craig Wilson
