Fortescue Future Industries will partner with Germany’s national railway company Deutsche Bahn in researching a new green hydrogen and ammonia gas engine to be used in rail applications.
Both Fortescue and Deutsche Bahn have publicly committed to ambitious climate targets, and are currently seeking alternatives to their current reliance on diesel fuels.
To achieve this, the two companies have now signed an agreement proposing that Fortescue Future Industries participate in Deutsche Bahn’s research and development of a carbon-free internal combustion engine; the findings of which could accelerate Fortescue’s Green Fleet rail delivery program.
The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding, which centres on the companies’ intentions to work together collaboratively on decarbonisation technology opportunities.
Fortescue founder and Executive Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest, said the investment would further the company’s stated goal of decarbonising carbon-intensive industries.
“Fortescue is developing green hydrogen and green energy innovations and technology, with a specific focus on decarbonising hard-to-abate industries,” Dr Forrest said.
“We know that cutting-edge technology and real-world solutions are key to addressing climate change which is why Fortescue is partnering with Deutsche Bahn, Europe’s leading mobility and logistics provider.
“We want to seize the opportunity to support the decarbonisation of the rail industry through developing multiple technologies.
“Not every railway around the world will have as favourable topography as we do at our sites in Australia, therefore it makes sense to look at different technologies.”
Deutsche Bahn Board Member for Digitisation and Technology, Dr Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, said the new engine would excise the rail industry’s current reliance on carbon-intensive fuels.
“We are saying goodbye to diesel and relying on the latest technologies, including the ammonia-hydrogen engine,” Dr Gerd tom Markotten said.
“This engine makes it possible to continue operating existing diesel vehicles without emissions. Our customers are already travelling by the most climate-friendly means of transport. By 2040, the railway will be completely climate-neutral.”
The partnership builds on Fortescue’s announcement in March 2022 to develop the world’s first regenerating battery electric iron ore train, pre-feasibility studies are progressing, with delivery of the first Infinity Train scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027.
