Fortescue Deploys Two Battery-Electric Locomotives in Pilbara

Fortescue Deploys Progress Rail Battery-Electric Locomotives in Pilbara

Progress Rail and metals company Fortescue have marked the delivery of two EMD® SD70J-BB battery-electric locomotives (BELs) in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Each of the eight-axle units provides 14.5 megawatt-hours of onboard energy storage. The locomotives will enter service on Fortescue’s heavy-haul iron ore rail network to support its demanding operational requirements.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The EMD® SD70J-BB model is engineered for heavy-haul applications. Each unit is capable of generating 1,100 kilonewtons of tractive effort, a critical performance metric for moving long, heavy iron ore consists. The locomotives are designed to recover between 40% and 60% of their expended energy through a regenerative braking system, capturing kinetic energy during deceleration on graded track sections.

Charging infrastructure will support high power rates up to 2.8 megawatts, enabling rapid replenishment of the 14.5 MWh onboard battery system. The power for charging will be supplied by Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect network, which is increasingly fed by company-owned renewable generation assets. According to projections, the deployment of each BEL is expected to eliminate the consumption of 264,172 gallons of diesel fuel annually compared to conventional diesel-electric counterparts. The units are also fitted with an advanced technology suite, an ecosystem of connected products designed to monitor and improve performance within the rail network.

Strategic Context and Decarbonization Impact

The introduction of these battery-electric locomotives is a direct component of Fortescue’s strategy to decarbonize its mining and transport operations. The company is actively constructing solar and wind farms, including the 133 MW Nullagine Wind Farm, to diversify its energy mix and power its infrastructure with renewable electricity. This vertical integration of renewable generation and electric-powered logistics aims to reduce both operational costs and Scope 1 emissions.

The deployment serves as a practical application of battery-electric technology in one of the world’s most demanding heavy-haul environments, providing critical operational data for wider industry adoption. This initiative positions Fortescue to reduce its long-term exposure to diesel fuel price volatility. For the broader mining sector, the adoption of battery-electric equipment is a key strategy to meet decarbonization targets and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The operational data from these BELs will inform future fleet procurement decisions for other heavy-haul operators globally.

Next Steps

The two locomotives will be integrated into Fortescue’s active fleet for transporting iron ore between mine sites and port facilities in the Pilbara region. Performance data will be collected via the onboard technology suite to validate energy consumption models, regenerative braking efficiency, and overall impact on network operations.