The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is supporting BluVein and its dynamic charging technology to reduce emissions in the Australian mining sector with a A$9 million ($5.9 million) grant to the Australia-based company.
The funding will allow BluVein to trial its “hammer and rail” dynamic charging technology designed for heavy haulage battery electric mining vehicles, which will facilitate safe electric powering and charging in motion, it says.
ARENA CEO, Darren Miller, said BluVein aims to prove what innovative technology can offer Australia’s most energy intensive industries. “Australia’s heavy industries are a major source of emissions and energy use,” he said. “If we’re serious about hitting our climate targets, we need bold solutions.
“BluVein’s innovative hammer and rail technology could offer a solution for Australia’s reliance on billions of litres of diesel fuel by using renewable energy delivered through the grid to power mining haul trucks.”
BluVein will first develop and trial a 40-60 t prototype truck integrated with BluVein’s charging technology (BluVein1, approximately 1 MW), for underground mining use, before extending the development of its technology to use for ultra-class heavy surface haulage trucking, with the BluVeinXL hammer and rail (approximately 8 MW).
The company has already made some headway in this pursuit, saying last month that a 2 MVA modular substation, built by JTMEC Pty Ltd and powered by Epiroc, had now arrived at its proving grounds in Queensland, Australia. BluVein will use this on an Epiroc Minetruck MT42 that has been converted to a battery-electric form and has already been fitted with the BluVein1 hammer.
The BluVein1 scalable system reduces mining emissions, enhances worker safety through its protected rail design and adapts to any mine layout, optimising efficiency and productivity across diverse mining environments, according to the company.
BluVein CEO, James Oliver, said: “This project, supported by ARENA, will demonstrate how BluVein1 and BluVeinXL can decarbonise Australia’s mining sector by enabling safe, in-motion electrification. By reducing diesel reliance, we aim to lower emissions and enhance operational efficiency, paving the way for sustainable mining practices.
“This project will drive critical advancements in low-emission metals production, benefiting Australia’s economy and environment.”