In the lead-up to this autumn's COP26 event in Glasgow, through our 'Oxfordshire gears-up for COP26' series, we will be showcasing the many examples of how Oxfordshire’s immense energy expertise is being applied to exploring the boundaries of future energy systems and, ultimately, a drive towards a zero-carbon future:
- Williams Advanced Engineering partners with Fortescue Metals Group to create a new battery electric haul truck for use in mining
- Project includes the design and construction of a bespoke battery electric powertrain for use in 240-tonne prototype
Oxfordshire-based Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) have announced an agreement to design, build, test and integrate a battery system to power an electric mining haul truck.
The project will involve the design and construction of a bespoke battery electric powertrain with the ability to regenerate power as the truck travels downhill.
The battery will be built at WAE’s facility in Grove before being shipped to Perth, Australia for integration into a 240-tonne prototype haul truck for performance testing at Fortescue’s mining operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
To support the full implementation of a battery-electric haulage fleet, the project will also involve the development of a fast charging unit which will harness renewable energy from Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect network.
For the project, WAE will be drawing on its high performance battery expertise, which lies at the core of the business, covering the Automotive, Motorsport, Marine, and Aerospace sectors. The company was the original supplier of batteries to the entire grid of FIA Formula E World Championship cars in 2014, a relationship that has been revived for 2022-23 season.
Craig Wilson, Managing Director, Williams Advanced Engineering said: “We are delighted to be working with Fortescue on this pioneering project that will help enable their future decarbonisation strategy, contributing to a reduction of carbon emissions in the heavy-duty mining sector. High performance battery systems are at the core of WAE. Both companies have a shared culture for innovation and rapid response and are committed to creating a sustainable future.’’
The news comes ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (or 'COP26') in Glasgow in November. The summit brings parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In Oxfordshire, the low carbon energy sector generates £1.15bn a year. Over the past half-decade, the county has attracted £2bn in foreign direct investment. Oxfordshire’s Energy Strategy for zero-carbon growth by 2050 will help to spearhead a further £1.35bn annually to our economy, creating at least 11,000 new jobs in the low-carbon sector by 2030.
