Zero Emission Liebherr T 264 truck under testing

Liebherr has announced that site-based testing for the T 264 prototype, known as Europa, is already underway. This testing will provide critical insights that will guide Fortescue’s future fleet of zero emission haul trucks. What’s more  that’s the same active mining site where Liebherr is testing its 264-ton  BEV-converted excavator.

Europa

Europa is the first hydrogen-powered T 264 haul truck equipped with AHS (Autonomous Haulage Solution)developed in cooperation between Liebherr and Fortescue. The truck is being tested on site in a real-life mining environment at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia

Collaboration with Liebherr

“Liebherr and Fortescue share a common vision: hydrogen and hydrogen carriers, such as ammonia, will be key to mining decarbonisation, complementing electrification efforts,” says Oliver Weiss, Executive VP at Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS. „What we learn from this hybrid truck will significantly shape our strategies for zero emission haulage. Integrating a Fortescue Zero battery into a Liebherr haul truck is a huge milestone in our partnership. It’s incredible to see how this cooperation accelerates our development of new technology from concept to field operation.”

Hydrogen Power on the Move

“It’s fantastic to have our hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype, Europa, joining its battery electric counterpart, Roadrunner, at the site,” adds Dino Otranto, CEO of Fortescue Metals. Once commissioned, Europa will be refueled with liquid hydrogen from Fortescue’s Green Energy Hub at Christmas Creek.

Looking Ahead

Europa is the first hydrogen-powered T 264 haul truck equipped with AHS (Autonomous Haulage Solution)developed in cooperation between Liebherr and Fortescue. The truck is being tested on site in a real-life mining environment at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia

Once the AHS validation cycle is complete, this cutting-edge technology is plan to be deployed across all Fortescue mining sites globally. This partnership is a significant step towards revolutionizing mining operations and achieving our sustainability goals. Otranto adds: that “This deployment of Europa is part of our broader partnership with Liebherr, where we’re co-developing and validating a fully integrated Autonomous Haulage Solution,” he highlights that “Decarbonising mining requires a system solution, and this new operating system, which integrates a Fleet Management System and energy management, will be a game changer in reducing our carbon emissions.”

Source of Featured image: Liebherr official