Fortescue’s ammonia locomotive one step closer
By on January 12, 2022
R&D for ammonia-powered locomotives is full steam ahead in Perth, as Fortescue Future Industries moves onto converting two test locomotives to run on ammonia fuel. Following successful testing of blended ammonia fuel in two-stroke engines last year, FFI’s next R&D focus is four-stroke, diesel-fueled locomotive engines. Deployment of an ammonia-powered demonstration locomotive within FFI’s current rail operations is planned for later this year.
As part of its decarbonisation commitments, FFI has an eye on converting its entire rail, maritime and heavy transport fleet to run on hydrogen & ammonia fuels.
Thumbs up for Gibson Island, converting old coal hubs in New South Wales
In other FFI news this week:
- FFI and Incitec Pivot have successfully completed a technical feasibility study into converting Incitec Pivot’s existing Gibson Island ammonia production plant to a green ammonia facility. The next round of negotiation has begun, with FFI planning to construct an electrolysis facility capable of producing 50,000 tonnes green hydrogen per year – or 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia.
- And a new agreement between Australian energy giant AGL and FFI will see the pair turn the current Liddell and Bayswater coal power stations into a huge green hydrogen hub near Newcastle, NSW. The plan features batteries, solar panels, wind farms, pumped hydro, electrolysers and clean industrial facilities. Taken together, the two power stations account for 40% of New South Wales’ carbon emissions. Liddell power station is scheduled to close in early 2023.
