Rolls-Royce Power Systems announced this month that it is developing a hybrid drive system for haul trucks and will begin field testing it beginning later this year.
While the company outlined autumn for its test roll-out, it declined to disclose at what mine the trial would be taking place.
The system combines proven mtu Series 4000 engines with a high-performance electric drivetrain. Depending on the topography and operational profile of the mine, this can result in savings of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions totaling up to 30% compared to conventional drive systems.
The OEM outlined that the hybrid system will store the haul truck’s braking energy in batteries during downhill journeys, then using the energy to drive the wheel motors during the subsequent uphill journey.
As a result, the diesel engine operates under a lower load – and consumes significantly less fuel. At the same time, CO₂ emissions are reduced. The aim is a modular, scalable system that can be adapted to different vehicle types, mine topographies and operating conditions.
“With this new development, Rolls-Royce is responding to a growing drive from the global mining industry to operate more efficiently and sustainably,” explained Cobus van Schalkwyk, Vice President Global Mining, Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
Hw noted that demand for critical minerals for the energy transition, electromobility and large data centers is rising rapidly; at the same time, leading mining companies have committed to reducing their CO₂ emissions by 30 to 40% by 2030 and to operating in a climate-neutral manner by 2050.
“Transport in open-pit mining using haul trucks accounts for the largest share of production costs – and a significant proportion of emissions. Hybrid drive systems offer an effective lever for cost reduction and decarbonisation here,” said van Schalkwyk.
Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, covering mining and energy as well as airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and other industrial customers.