The innovation
The big picture
The players
How it works
Why it matters
May 11, 2022
From diesel to decarbonization
Innovation will be key to accelerating the clean energy transition and reaching a net zero economy. Edison Energy is following the latest innovations in decarbonization across technologies, projects, and programs, from conception through completion.
The innovation
The nuGen™ 2MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck–the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mining truck. The Zero Emission Haulage Solution (ZEHS) technology, which provides an integrated green hydrogen production, fueling, and haulage system for mine sites, marks the first time a truck of this size and load capacity has been converted to run on hydrogen.
The big picture
The technology will promote industrial-scale renewable hydrogen solutions to help energy-intensive customers in their journey to carbon neutrality.
The players
ENGIE and Anglo American
How it works
The nuGen haul truck, which was developed for the Mogalakwena platinum mine in South Africa. is retrofitted from a diesel-powered vehicle and uses a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell combined with a battery pack to provide power. The green hydrogen will be produced at the mine site.
Hydrogen enters the fuel cell from the tank and mixes with oxygen to create water in a chemical reaction catalyzed by platinum. This generates electricity used to power the motors that drive the wheels. The only emission from the vehicle is water vapor.
The truck can carry a payload of 290 tons.
Anglo American has also built a hydrogen production, storage, and refueling complex at Mogalakwena that incorporates the largest electrolyzer in Africa and a solar PV field to support the operation of the haul truck.
Photo Credit: Anglo American
Why it matters
Mining haul trucks generate high greenhouse gas emissions, with each one using 3,000 liters of diesel a day and generating eight tonnes of CO2. The technology aims to help decarbonize the mining mobility sector, reducing diesel emissions significantly.
Once validated, the proof of concept is expected to extend to other sites.
Next Steps
ENGIE has been conducting a test program which, once validated, will be rolled out to other mines, with the goal of decarbonizing the sector’s mineral extraction and transport mobility solutions. ENGIE expects to offer the comprehensive solution to mining companies between 2025 and 2030.
Stay tuned for the next installment of the Energy Edge Innovation Series!
