The hydrogen-powered Liebherr T 264, known as Europa. Image: Liebherr
Liebherr and Fortescue have unveiled the first hydrogen-powered T264 haul truck prototype for real-life testing in the Pilbara, which could have significant outcomes for both companies.
The T264 haul truck will be tested in the real world at the Christmas Creek site in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The testing period, which is expected to be conducted over the coming months, will inform Fortescue’s future fleet of zero-emission haul trucks.
“Liebherr and Fortescue are aligned in the belief that hydrogen and hydrogen carriers, such as ammonia, will play an important role in supporting the mine decarbonisation additional to electrification,” Oliver Weiss, executive vice president of R&D, engineering and production, Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, said.
“What we learn from this hybrid truck will significantly shape and enhance our future development strategies for zero emission haulage. The integration of a Fortescue Zero battery into a Liebherr haul truck marks a huge milestone in the partnership between the two companies.
“It is fascinating to see how this cooperation helps to fast track our planned developments of new technology from ideas to demonstration and operation in the field.”
The prototype truck, known as Europa, will be refuelled with liquid hydrogen from a gaseous and liquid hydrogen plant located at Fortescue’s Green Energy Hub at Christmas Creek.
The two companies have collaborated on the project to develop a zero-emission haul truck since it was announced in 2022. This collaboration is part of a series between Liebherr and Fortescue, including the development of a fully integrated Autonomous Haulage Solution.
“It’s fantastic to have our hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype now joining its battery-electric equivalent, Roadrunner, up at the site,” Dino Ontario, Fortescue Metals chief executive officer, said.
“This deployment of Europa builds on our wider collaboration with Liebherr, where we are working together to develop and validate a fully integrated Autonomous Haulage Solution, which we’re aiming to be the first to operate in zero-emission vehicles globally.
“To decarbonise mining, you need a system solution, so this new operating system, which integrates a Fleet Management System and energy management, will be a game changer for Fortescue in reducing our carbon emissions.”
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