Fortescue and ARENA are developing cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) charging technology designed specifically for heavy haulage trucks in remote mining operations.
The project aims to create fast-charging infrastructure that could dramatically transform the mining industry’s approach to reducing carbon emissions.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded a $10 million grant to support Fortescue’s $35.3 million Fast Charger for Heavy Battery Electric Vehicles project.
This innovative development will focus on creating 6MW fast chargers capable of charging massive 240-tonne battery-electric trucks in just 30 minutes.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the project’s significance, noting it is the first grant awarded under the government’s $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream of the $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Australia – as the global energy transition gathers pace, there’ll be huge demand for fast charging capability in heavy industry,” he said.
The initiative is designed to support emissions reduction in regional industrial facilities.
A key feature of the project is its potential universal applicability: the chargers are being developed to global charging system standards, ensuring compatibility with equipment across mining, rail, and other heavy industry sectors.
Fortescue will conduct the project at two key locations: its Hazelmere research and development facility and the Christmas Creek mine site in Western Australia. Preliminary testing is already underway, with the project expected to be completed by late 2025.
According to the Federal Government, this development represents a significant step towards electrifying heavy industrial transport, potentially setting a new global benchmark for sustainable mining operations.
By demonstrating the feasibility of rapid charging for massive electric vehicles, the project could accelerate the mining industry’s transition to lower-emission technologies.
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