WAE announces prototype battery system for mining haul trucks

Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Fortescue Group, has announced the completion and delivery to Australia of the largest battery of its kind, ready to be installed in a prototype zero-emission battery electric mining haul truck that Fortescue is developing with Liebherr.

The 1.4 MWh prototype power system is a bespoke design intended for integration into a 240-tonne mining haul truck.

The battery will be integral to Fortescue’s US$6.2 billion decarbonisation strategy to help eliminate fossil fuels from its iron ore operations, which includes replacing its existing diesel-fuelled fleet with battery electric and green hydrogen-powered haul trucks.

A team of 50 engineers and technicians were responsible for developing the power system, which weighs 15 tonnes, measures 3.6 x 1.6 x 2.4 m, and is made up of eight subpacks, each with 36 modules, all individually cooled and each with its own battery management system.

The battery not only has energy storage of 1.4 MWh, but also the ability to fast-charge in 30 minutes and the capacity to regenerate power as the truck drives downhill.

“WAE and Fortescue are working together to seek to decarbonise faster and more effectively than any other major industrial company in the world,” said Fortescue Future Industries CEO Mark Hutchinson. “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.

“WAE’s battery expertise complements FFI’s green hydrogen projects and cements Fortescue as a leader in the technologies needed for the green energy transition.”

The battery has now arrived at Fortescue’s workshop in Perth, and will be assembled and installed before it is transported to the Pilbara for testing onsite in 2023.

“Today marks the latest milestone in the rapid development of state-of-the-art zero-emission technology for Fortescue’s mining trucks,” said WAE Technologies CEO Craig Wilson. “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.

“This system is the first of many technologies that can help enable Fortescue to realise its industry-leading 2030 net-zero target. Powered solely by renewable energy, it will help prevent enormous amounts of fossil fuel from being used in the mining industry, with the goal to not compromise the vehicle’s load capacity. This is an inspiring example of what can be achieved combining Fortescue’s pioneering green energy vision for its global vehicles and WAE’s extensive expertise in advanced batteries.”

Image caption: Batteries delivered. Source: Williams Advanced Engineering.