The Commission for Hydrogen in Australia has recently commissioned its largest hydrogen plant at the Christmas Creek site of Fortescue Metals Group. To this effect, the plant is going to power emissions-free mining equipment from August 2024 as part of FMG’s target to reduce its carbon footprint. The plant forms part of a project on hydrogen technology development for heavy industry in collaboration with New Zealander Fabrum.
Fresh Christmas Creek Hydrogen plant forges FMG’s zero-emission mining future
The hydrogen plant at Christmas Creek is an advanced design consisting of a hydrogen liquefaction facility, liquid hydrogen storage tanks, and refuelling stations for hydrogen-powered mining trucks and stationary power systems with the necessary infrastructure to power FMG’s new generation of miner vehicles.
The plant’s production capacity is 350 kilograms per day, with approximately 600 kilograms of liquid hydrogen storage. The plant will provide FMG’s advanced goals in decarbonization. FMG’s commitment to sustainable mining extends to developing hydrogen-powered mining prototypes. Recently, the haul truck powered by hydrogen, “Europa,” completed an important 1,100-kilometer journey overland from Perth to the Pilbara region for onsite testing.
Among the first two liquid hydrogen-powered huge mining trucks, Europa will play a key role in FMG’s project to convert diesel-powered trucks into a zero-emission alternative. The company is creating itself as a leader in global transition to clean energy within the mining industry using liquid hydrogen as a source of fuel.
Fabrum drives success towards the largest hydrogen plant in Australia
Fabrum New Zealand has played a direct role in all facets of the hydrogen plant, be it conceptual design, construction, or commissioning. Fabrum specializes in zero-emission transition technologies and has expertise in various industries ranging from heavy transport through aviation to marine applications.
The company, with its innovative cryocooler technology or with the help of highly effective hydrogen liquefaction systems, has been the key to success of plant operation. According to Dr. Ojas Mahapatra, CEO of Fabrum, this partnership is a point of significance because this project tends to mark not only entry of the company into the mining sector but also a common objective with FMG towards becoming leaders in the transition to a zero-emissions economy.
FMG, the investor as well as Fabrum, brings resources and support to come up with new-age hydrogen technologies that can be applied in several areas-from heavy transport to aviation. Here it has shown how a partnership stands the test of time in shaping the future of some of the clean energy solutions for fossil fuel-reliant sectors.
Hydrogen plant at Christmas Creek commences testing of haul trucks
This newly established plant at Christmas Creek is primary in the process of commissioning and testing all the hydrogen-powered mining equipment in the field. The haul truck – called “Europa” – will be subjected to an entire battery of intensive performance tests replicating a punishing cycle found in today’s mining environment, where heavy-duty vehicles are expected to deliver under an extremely rigorous set of conditions.
Experience from these test trials will prove invaluable input into FMG’s future zero-emissions fleet of haul trucks, as well as how best hydrogen can become part of viable fuel sources for large-scale mining operations. Apart from the haul trucks, new aspects of liquid hydrogen production and the refueling facility will be fully operational at the plant to reinforce hydrogen-powered vehicle and equipment use across FMG’s operations.
Higher production can be expected in this dynamic to cope significantly with emissions at one of the largest mining companies worldwide. The company can show the example to the rest of the industry.Inaugural complication of the largest hydrogen plant of Australia. Christmas Creek- a step indeed in the decarbonization journey for the mining sector.
FMG-Fabrum collaboration is a prime example of hydrogen’s being ready to contribute to making an industrial environment global with sustainability and reduced emissions across other industries. The transition to zero-emissions heavy industry has now really taken place.
