Central Queensland railways could see hydrogen-powered trains by 2040 as feasibility study begins

A feasibility study into the possibility of hydrogen-powered trains servicing Central Queensland has commenced. Read more about the study here:

Queensland’s plans to become a renewable energy powerhouse are travelling full steam ahead, with hydrogen-powered trains to be potentially travelling Central Queensland tracks by 2040.

A feasibility study to be undertaken by Australian freight rail transport company Aurizon and mining superpower Anglo American will explore the possibility of using hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the study would explore whether hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid power units could be used in heavy haul freight rail operations.

“The Feasibility Study will focus on the potential deployment of Anglo American’s hydrogen power technology on Aurizon’s Moura rail corridor and also the Mount Isa Rail corridor,” Mr Miles said.

“The Moura corridor operates between Anglo American’s Dawson metallurgical coal mine and the Gladstone Port, and the Mount Isa rail corridor operates between the North West Minerals Province to Townsville Port, via Aurizon’s Stuart Terminal.

“The announcement is more proof that Queensland is committed to capturing every section of the renewable energy value chain.”

As part of its commitment to carbon neutral by 2040, Anglo American has taken a global lead in the development of green hydrogen solutions for its ultra-class 290 tonne payload mine haul trucking fleet.

Anglo American’s unique combination of powertrain technologies, designed to operate safely and effectively in real-world mine conditions, will displace the use of the majority of diesel at its mining operations.

Mr Miles said Queensland was perfectly positioned to be the world’s renewable energy superpower.

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“This project is more proof of that future. Where we use cheaper cleaner energy to power Queenslander’s lives and to make the equipment the world needs as we move towards more decarbonisation,” he said.

“Imagine new economy minerals which can be used to make batteries to store renewable energy, being moved from the North West Minerals Province to Townsville, on a train powered by hydrogen made from Queensland sunshine.”

Minister for Energy Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the project showed yet again the way renewable energy and the burgeoning hydrogen industry meant more jobs in more industries for more Queenslanders.

“Projects like this are important because they enable domestic demand and create an ecosystem for green hydrogen,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Transport accounts for 14 percent of emissions, and is the fastest growing sector for emissions.

“However, we recognise that transport can lead the emissions reduction push if we move quickly with initiatives like this one.

“The Palaszczuk Government welcomes today’s announcement as it is making sure Queenslanders and local businesses are at the front of the queue building the skills needed for the hydrogen industry and the thousands of jobs it will create.”

Technical director of Anglo American Tony O’Neill said the agreement with Aurizon marked the first time their hydrogen power technology could be tested beyond the existing mine haul truck program.

“Displacing our use of diesel is critical to eliminating emissions at our sites and along our value chain. We believe that our innovative hydrogen-led technology provides a versatile solution, whether for trucks or trains or other forms of heavy duty transport,” he said.

Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight company, with the decarbonisation of its supply chains at the centre of its target to reach net zero operational emissions by 2050.

The company has also commenced research and development for battery-powered trains with a number of industry parties and Australian universities.

Aurizon’s managing director and CEO Andrew Harding said hydrogen offered enormous opportunity in decarbonising and continuing to improve the competitiveness of Australia’s export supply chains.

“This is especially true for bulk products underpinning the Australian economy including minerals, agricultural products and fertilisers, industrials and general freight,” Mr Harding said.