As part of the strategy of accelerating the use of technologies that use renewable sources, Vale received at the end of March its second 100% electric locomotive, powered by battery. Manufactured in China by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive (CRRC ZELC), the equipment will initially operate in the maneuvering yard of the Ponta da Madeira Terminal in São Luís (MA). Its batteries, made of lithium, have a storage capacity of 1000 kWh, with autonomy to operate up to 10 hours without stops for recharging.
CRRC’s locomotive is part of Vale’s strategy to electrify its mine and rail equipment. The two areas account for 25% of the company’s direct carbon emissions, the so-called scope 1. In 2019, Vale announced the goal of zeroing its net emissions of scopes 1 and 2 (relative to electricity consumption) by 2050. To this end, it is investing between US$ 4 billion and US$ 6 billion.
Currently, Vale’s fleet totals 490 diesel-powered locomotives dedicated to the transportation of iron ore. The company’s first fully electric machine, manufactured by Progress Rail, was received in July 2020 at the Vitória-Minas Railroad (EFVM).
The two 100% electric locomotives are part of Powershift, a program created by Vale to meet the company’s challenge of zeroing carbon emissions from scopes 1 and 2. In addition to locomotives, the program has also been conducting tests with electrical equipment at underground mines in Canada – there are currently about 40 in operation.
Vale’s operations equipment electrification strategy also includes a partnership with its peers BHP and Rio Tinto. Last year, the three companies, along with 17 other mining companies, launched the “Charge On Challenge.” It is a global call for innovation aimed at entrepreneurs capable of developing electrification solutions for large trucks used in mines.
Source: Vale Press Release Read The Article
PSR Analysis: Vale is one of the most important users of Locomotives in Brazil with full its logistic model and railroad operation in addition to its mining business. The success of using new technologies and alternative power propulsion may impact the business significantly. In addition, the program for new technology opens opportunities for Billion Dollar Supply in the next years for this business segment for companies all around the world. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research
