The collaboration combines solutions to deliver electricity safely to battery-electric haul trucks of up to 400 metric tons and decarbonise mining operations
Hitachi Energy and BluVein, an innovator in dynamic charging technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the electrification of heavy haul mining fleets and solve one of the biggest challenges in decarbonising mine operations.
Hitachi Energy’s advanced power electronics and digital charging technologies allow BluVein’s e-rail charging technology to deliver electricity safely and reliably to haul trucks of up to 400 metric tons while transporting materials.
The collaboration will fast-track the development of a high-powered, fast and flexible dynamic charging solution for surface and underground mines and quarries in Australia and across the globe. BluVein will focus on its leading-edge e-rail and connection of the truck, which Hitachi Energy will further complement with advanced power electronics and digital solutions to power and monitor the whole system.
“This strategic collaboration with BluVein will enable our mining customers to trial next-generation dynamic charging solutions vital for achieving net-zero emission targets without compromising on operating practices or productivity,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy. “We believe this new collaborative approach will deliver on our common goal to accelerate the transition to all-electric mining and a carbon-neutral future.”
“This MoU supports BluVein’s mission of partnering with a technology leader to deliver a universal dynamic connector that facilitates the removal of fossil fuel from mines and help propel the industry globally to meet its decarbonisation goals,” said James Oliver, CEO at BluVein. “Together, we are helping the industry move to a more sustainable and responsible future.”
Hitachi Energy and BluVein are also exploring the off-vehicle hardware requirements for BluVein1 for underground and smaller fleets, while actively cooperating on BluVein Proving Grounds currently under construction in Queensland, Australia.
In a statement the vehicle maker said : “Hitachi Energy has built its reputation on solving real-world customer challenges – maximising electrical system resilience, improving overall sustainability and boosting profitability. Our solutions enable reliable power at the core of mining operations, from where minerals are extracted to where they are utilised.”
About BluVein
Australian mining electrification leader BluVein believes the shift to electric has never been more urgent, especially for underground mining. “We are here to make this shift cleaner, faster and safer. As mines get deeper, the health and safety hazards posed by carcinogenic diesel particulate matter (DPM) increase, particularly in underground mines. We envision fully-electric mines in the future that completely eliminates the need for diesel engine machinery and increases efficiency without sacrificing the health and safety of underground workers.”
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. We integrate more than 150 GW of HVDC links into the power system, helping our customers enable more wind and solar. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ more than 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
About Hitachi, Ltd
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide.
