World’s First Zero-Emission ‘Infinity Train’ Will Charge Itself With Gravity
Image via Fortescue Metals Group Ltd
Fortescue, an Australian mining firm, has acquired Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as part of its Fortescue Future Industries subsidiary, focused on developing greener technologies to reduce its operations’ carbon emissions by 2030.
As part of the newly-formed partnership, the companies have announced a forthcoming project: the world’s first zero-emission ‘infinity train’.
The infinity train, which has been touted as “the world’s most efficient battery electric locomotive,” will be designed to transport large loads of iron ore without needing to be recharged.
“The regeneration of electricity on the downhill loaded sections will remove the need for the installation of renewable energy generation and recharging infrastructure, making it a capital efficient solution for eliminating diesel and emissions from our rail operations,” explained Fortescue CEO, Elizabeth Gaines.
According to New Atlas, while details on the project have yet to be revealed, it appears that the infinity train will harness the energy from downhill slopes and braking sections to charge its battery regeneratively while loaded.
Once it’s emptied, it will be able to head all the way back to the mine on the same charge without needing to be refueled.
“High performance battery and electrification systems are at the core of what we do, and now that we are a part of the Fortescue family, this presents an exciting opportunity to develop new technologies as we work together to tackle climate change,” summed up Craig Wilson, CEO at WAE.
[via New Atlas and Williams Advanced Engineering, cover image via Fortescue Metals Group Ltd]
