Australian mining company Fortescue has launched new battery-powered locomotives built by Caterpillar's Progressive Rail division. The trains will be used to transport iron ore from mines in the Pilbara region to Western Australian ports.
The move is part of the company's plan to achieve net zero emissions by the end of the decade and demonstrates the capabilities of modern electric vehicles in the mining industry.
Electrification to respond to climate challenges
The global fight against climate change requires reducing emissions from major transportation systems. Although electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, their impact on global emissions remains limited. The main burden falls on freight transport, maritime transport and railways, especially on routes with heavy goods. Airlines are testing synthetic fuels and railway companies are gradually deploying electrified locomotives on popular routes. But in remote areas, traditional diesel locomotives are still the mainstay. Fortescue's new battery electric locomotive shows how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, even on heavy industrial routes.
Technical characteristics
Each locomotive has eight axles and a 14.5 MWh battery, making it the world's largest mobile railway battery. The locomotive is equipped with a regenerative braking system that can recover up to 60% of energy when moving downhill. This approach reduces energy consumption and increases efficiency on long routes with changing terrain. Charging is carried out at a capacity of 2.8 MW, allowing for quick maintenance and reduced downtime. Electricity will be generated from Fortescue's renewable sources, further reducing carbon emissions.
Deploy and operate
The first locomotive arrived at the company's premises in June 2025, the second in late December. Both were transported via Port Hedland and delivered to businesses in the Pilbara. According to Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto:
“These electric locomotives are not concepts. These are real assets that are changing the landscape of heavy freight rail transportation.”
Initiatives like this demonstrate the industry's growing interest in moving towards cleaner transportation.
Economic and environmental efficiency
These locomotives reduce the carbon emissions associated with rail travel. Using batteries can reduce fuel operating costs, while also reducing noise pollution. The energy recovery system makes traveling more efficient on routes with elevation changes. Furthermore, battery-powered locomotives increase operational flexibility by not requiring a permanent connection to overhead power, which is especially important in remote areas of Australia.
According to the company, such electric locomotives are paving the way for replacing diesel locomotives in industrial and intercity transport around the world. This experience demonstrates that heavy rail freight can be transported with minimal carbon emissions without affecting productivity. As technology develops, batteries will have larger capacities and locomotives will become available in other countries with developed industrial or mining areas.
