It reveals a nationwide lack of in-depth understanding about electrification to reduce greenhouse emissions in the the new report Mining Vehicle & Mining Equipment Electrification – technology has now developed to a point at which mine electrification is now a realistic option, says the FBICRC
The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) says it is “very pleased” to release its “Overview of Australia’s mining vehicle and mining equipment electrification” report by the University of Adelaide.
The FBICRC is one of the driving forces behind the growth of battery industries to power Australia’s future. It aims to bring together industry, researchers, governments and the community to ensure Australia plays a leading role in the global battery revolution.
“Our work is critical in making our industries more competitive by harnessing the research skills and industry expertise required to create new economic opportunities,” the organisation states.
Mining contributes around 19% to Australia’s total emissions. Technology has now developed to a point at which mine electrification is now a realistic option. Australia’s mines are increasingly powered by hybrid solar and battery systems, with battery powered light vehicles, haul trucks and rail. Underground vehicle electrification can reduce ventilation needs and improve worker amenity.
Chief Executive Officer Shannon O’Rourke congratulated report authors Ali Pourmousavi Kani Hirad Assimi Wen Soong Bryan Foley Sayed Nasrollah Hashemian Shah Mohammad Mominul Islam.
“The report uncovered a significant gap in the understanding of mine fleet electrification. Unlocking the full potential of electric-fleets will require whole of system design and operational tools which the FBICRC and University of Adelaide are developing. We are actively seeking foundation clients to prototype these tools,” said Shannon.
“With better tools, training and understanding, Australia can accelerate its mine electrification, shorten mine development times, improve reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs.”
Cooperative Research Centres are jointly funded by the Federal Government, industry participants and research organisations to support Australian industries to solve critical issues, develop new technologies, products and services and compete on the world stage.
The CRC program is a proven model that has delivered significant economic, environmental and social benefits to Australia across a diverse range of industries. View a short video introduction on CRCs HERE.
The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre research program is national in its scope and will identify research opportunities, partnerships and participants Australia-wide and internationally.
Headquartered in Perth, the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre has an ambitious six-year research and development program targeting all segments of the battery value chain: the policy and governance framework for battery industries; the processes for extraction, refining and processing of raw materials and advanced battery component materials, and their recycling; and the testing, manufacture and deployment of battery components and systems.
About the FBICRC
Our partners are at the forefront of developments in future battery industries, directly driving a broad research, development and commercialisation agenda.
The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre brings together almost 60 inaugural participants which includes national and international industries, eight universities from across Australia, the CSIRO, and Federal and State Governments.
We have partners covering the full extent of the battery value chain, such as mining, extraction, processing, and refining of battery minerals metals and materials, as well as downstream such as precursor chemical manufacture, battery cell manufacture, battery recycling and battery deployment in defence, electrical utilities, mining, and other mobile and stationary applications.
With access to the highest calibre research and industry expertise we aim to strengthen Australia’s participation in global battery value chains
The research program is national in its scope and will unlock additional value and efficiencies to develop future battery industries to support the growing demand for batteries, battery deployment and battery technologies, within the context of a circular economy.
The Commonwealth and participants have committed about $130 million cash and in-kind contributions to establish the CRC.
