Australian technology, energy and metals group Fortescue Metals has been awarded A$10-million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) to advance the development of a 6 MW fast charger.

The funding will support the company’s efforts to roll out fast charger technology that can power battery-electric heavy mining equipment.

The project involves the design, construction, and validation of several test-unit chargers, with the goal of deploying the first production 6 MW charger by the end of 2025.

Developed by Fortescue Zero, the company’s dedicated renewable-energy division, the 6 MW fast charger will be compatible with a wide range of heavy mining equipment and engineered to meet the demanding operational needs of the industry.

In announcing the Arena funding, Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto said, “As part of our decarbonisation plan, we intend to roll out around 250 fast chargers of varying capacities across our iron-ore operations before the end of this decade.”

“Not only will this project serve as a catalyst for demand from external heavy industry customers, but it will also enable a significant reduction in emissions,” Otranto added.

Fortescue Zero CEO Ellie Coates explained that the chargers would be designed to operate in the tough conditions of the Pilbara. "These innovative chargers are designed to be a safe, rugged, high power and scalable fast charging solution for multiple different vehicle applications,” Coates said.

“Leveraging our world-class capability in battery and charging solutions from motorsport, the fast chargers have been developed for the challenging conditions of the Pilbara. Equipped with robotic connection options, they will be able to power Fortescue’s future 240-t Liebherr T 264 battery electric trucks in just 30 minutes.”

The new fast chargers will be tested and validated at Fortescue Zero’s Research and Development facility in Perth, where the first production units will undergo factory acceptance testing before being deployed at Fortescue's mining sites.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of the project for the state's mining sector. “Heavy haulage trucks are integral to the function of Western Australia’s mining operations but at present are reliant on fossil fuels, which means unwanted pollution, cost volatility, and energy insecurity,” Wilson said.

“Fortescue’s fast charger development is a smart and forward-looking project that will help Western Australia’s mining sector electrify their operations and contribute to the critical task of decarbonising our economy.”