Battery-powered switcher developed by Progress Rail in conjuction with Vale

Working in collaboration with its South American customer, Vale, Progress Rail – a Caterpillar company – has developed a new battery-powered switcher locomotive to be available globally. The zero-emission, zero-idle and low noise EMD^® Joule locomotive broadens Progress Rail’s rolling stock portfolio with the latest smart lithium-ion battery technology and reliable performance for instant start within yard applications.

The new EMD^® Joule will go into a pilot phase during 2020, with full service anticipated for Vale soon thereafter, supporting operations at its Tubarão yard. Vale shared that this development contributes to its ambitious goals of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 33 per cent by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050 (scopes 1 and 2)¹. With the multitude of next generation technologies being introduced, Progress Rail began addressing industry challenges with Vale, along with the companies’ collective Brazilian engineering teams and Progress Rail’s U.S.-based locomotive engineers, to deliver a solution with ample power and charging capabilities.

Marty Haycraft, President and CEO of Progress Rail, said: “Our team has taken great pride in this exciting project, working closely with Vale to deliver a new advanced technology battery locomotive in approximately 11 months. This locomotive will help Vale achieve their emissions objectives. We look forward to continuing to support our entire global customer base with innovative products and services to help them meet their operating and environmental objectives.”

According to Gustavo Bastos, Executive Manager at Vale’s Excellence Center and Innovation Department, the EMD^® Joule will be also an important step towards the development of solutions for Vale’s GHG reduction plans: “This equipment represents a milestone in Vale’s operations decarbonisation strategy and is aligned with its new pact with society.”

The new switcher includes battery capacity being delivered to Vale of 1.9 megawatt hours, and could reach up to 2.4 megawatt hours with additional options available. The switcher has nominal power up to 3,000 horsepower, and a run time of up to 24 hours, depending upon charging and utilisation.

Progress Rail anticipates global availability of the new switcher locomotive in early 2021.

Reference:

1. Scope 1: direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2: indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy.