Aurizon has contracted Progress Rail to build Australia’s first zero-emissions capable freight locomotive. This will be the first freight unit to be powered by batteries in the country, allowing the potential future use of totally renewable energy sources for freight hauls.

Batteries will also capture re-generative energy created when trains brake or travel downhill. The prototype is being built at Progress Rail’s Redbank facility in south-east Queensland.

The unit will be designed as a heavy-haul freight locomotive. Progress Rail will retrofit one of Aurizon’s existing 4000-class diesel locomotives. The locomotive is expected to be fully constructed by early 2025, with on-track trials commencing in Q1/2025. (ben)