Hitachi Energy selected for Charge On™ Innovation Challenge – electrifying the world’s mines towards carbon-neutral

Hitachi Energy is delighted to have been selected as a technology vendor in the Charge On™ Innovation Challenge. Founded by BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale, together with multiple industry patrons, the initiative sees the world’s mining industry unite to solve one of the biggest challenges in decarbonizing mining operations: the electrification of haul trucks.

Hitachi Energy put forward an innovative proposal which met with the judges’ rigorous criteria for interoperable solutions. The flexible solution design enables electricity to be safely delivered to large battery-powered off-road electric haul trucks, while maintaining or improving productivity levels. The end-to-end solution connects the mine’s electrical grid directly to its haul trucks and other vehicles, such as excavators.

Advanced power electronics and digital technologies are key to the design of Hitachi Energy’s innovative solution to electrify the haul trucks which are used to transport materials. At the heart of the design is Grid-eMotion™ Flash – a pioneering solution for sustainable e-mobility, enabling the haul trucks’ batteries to be rapidly and safely recharged in just a few minutes.

To further optimize energy use across the mine, Hitachi Energy is also able to deliver a full solution, including its innovative e-mesh™ digital solutions for e-mobility. Additionally, a holistic and detailed monitoring and control solution for the charging process and the grid connection system. A range of remote and onsite services will also be made available to support the transition to the new technologies and the efficient operation of the new infrastructure.

Gerhard Salge, CTO of Hitachi Energy said, “The Charge On™ Innovation Challenge is another great example of how we are collaborating with whole industries to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future.” He continued, “Hitachi Energy’s proposal is for an innovative haul truck 24/7 electrification solution that will help the world’s mining industry to decarbonize without compromising on productivity. Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system and together with customers and partners, Hitachi Energy is pioneering technologies and software for advancing a sustainable energy future for all.”

Noaman Amjad, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of Hitachi Energy said, “We are very pleased to have been selected as one of the winning proposals and that Hitachi Energy’s solution has been recognized as meeting with the spirit of interoperability as requested by the Patrons.” He continued, “We intend to make our solution available to all Truck OEMs interested – a solution that’s built on the solid competence and deep insight of our mining, e-mobility, digital and power systems experts and that will lead to the electrification and decarbonization of mining.”

Innovative features of the solution:
 

• Delivering 8 MW of power enables vehicles to be charged in just a few minutes in a safe way at the points of loading and unloading. Flash charging means trucks can operate 24/7.
• Delivering an interoperable, flexible Energy Transfer System (ETS) that is free of any catenary infrastructure and that can easily adapt to mine site changes over time.
• Dynamic energy management to increase reliability, resiliency and power quality as mining operations transition to broader electrification including their larger haul trucks.
• Achieving greater levels of sustainability while maintaining core operating practices and productivity of the mine.