Fortescue and Liebherr recently completed a first-ever test: the operation of a hydrogen-powered Liebherr T 264, which has been dubbed Europa, at a site outside Perth, Western Australia.
The prototype, which has a 1.6-MWh battery (developed by Fortescue WAE) and 500 kilowatts of fuel cells on-board, was tested 19 May.
Both companies have called the test a major step forward for its partnership, the mission of which is to develop and supply zero-emission mining haul trucks. It first inked that deal in June 2022.
“With Europa soon moving to site, Liebherr and Fortescue have taken an important step closer to their common target of developing and building zero emission solutions for the mining industry that are both field proven and energy agnostic,” explained Joerg Lukowski, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Liebherr Mining.
“This success demonstrates the incredible capabilities of two Tier 1 companies working together to develop viable technologies today that can help the mining industry move towards a decarbonised future.”
Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto added: “Following the success of our battery electric haul truck prototype at site, we’re thrilled to now have Europa up and running on hydrogen. This is a huge achievement for the team and brings Fortescue another step closer to having a fleet of zero emission trucks at our sites by the end of this decade.”
Fortescue said it is aiming to transport Europa to its mining operations within the coming weeks where it will then undergo further site-based testing and commissioning.
“The subsequent test results will inform our future fleet of zero emissions trucks that we’re delivering with Liebherr,” Otranto noted.
Source: Liebherr