Alta Battery Technology announced a partnership with Aurizon, Australia’s foremost rail freight provider, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop the world’s inaugural battery electric tender (BET).
This project, bolstered by $9.4 million in funding from ARENA, aims to electrify Aurizon’s fleet, extending haulage distances by up to 400km and significantly reducing emissions.
The BET project represents a paradigm shift in sustainable energy solutions for heavy machinery, Alta said in a media release.
Alta will leverage its cutting-edge DC-to-DC converter technology to connect diesel-powered assets to electric power sources, enabling a hybrid operation that significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Notably, the tender’s battery will capture regenerative energy during normal operation, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Rail transport emissions from Australia’s heavy haul freight industry currently contribute over four million tons of CO2e annually, representing 0.8 per cent of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
With the bulk of these emissions originating from the resource industry, which relies heavily on rail freight for transportation, Alta said the BET project holds immense promise for mitigating environmental impact.
Roy Zou, managing director of Alta Battery Technology, emphasised the urgency of transitioning away from diesel-powered locomotives to combat climate change.
Zou stated, “Our partnership with Aurizon and ARENA marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable energy solutions for heavy machinery.”
He continued, “By combining Alta’s cutting-edge battery technology with the expertise of Aurizon and the financial support of ARENA, we are poised to redefine the landscape of Australia’s heavy machinery industries, offering cost-efficient and eco-friendly alternatives.”
Andrew Harding, managing director & CEO of Aurizon, underscored the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and innovation.
“Aurizon aims to use battery and hydrogen power sources, or a combination of both, to deliver decarbonised freight solutions for customers across our national footprint, no matter how heavy or how far the freight needs to move,” Harding explained.
The BET project has received funding from ARENA as part of its Advancing Renewables program, reflecting the agency’s commitment to driving technological solutions for emissions reduction in key industries.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller praised the initiative, stating, “Aurizon’s battery electric tender is a world first that hopes to pave the way for the rail freight industry and help the resources sector achieve net zero.”
The prototype BET is expected to be completed by December 2025, with on-track testing slated for January 2026.
