The INFINITY TRAIN is in the PilbaraFortescue's groundbreaking...

The INFINITY TRAIN is in the Pilbara

Fortescue's groundbreaking "Infinity Train" (also referred to as the gravity train) has indeed arrived, marking a significant milestone in the company's ambitious "Real Zero" decarbonization strategy. Here’s a detailed overview of this innovative project:

1. Arrival and Prototype Testing

• The first battery electric locomotive (BEL) prototype, developed by Fortescue Zero (the company’s green tech arm), was delivered to the Pilbara region in Western Australia in June 2025 12.

• Initially, the locomotive will undergo rigorous testing in a rail yard before transitioning to mainline operations later in 2025 1.

2. How the Infinity Train Works

• The train harnesses gravitational energy during downhill runs (loaded with iron ore) to recharge its batteries via regenerative braking. This stored energy powers the empty train’s return trip uphill, eliminating the need for external charging 37.

• The concept is likened to "regen on steroids," aiming for a self-sustaining, zero-emission system 28.

3. Environmental and Operational Impact

• Fortescue’s current diesel locomotives consume 82 million liters of diesel annually, contributing to 11% of the company’s Scope 1 emissions. The Infinity Train aims to eliminate this entirely by 2030 36.

• The project is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar plan to decarbonize mining operations, including electric haul trucks and renewable energy infrastructure 15.

4. Collaboration and Technology

• Developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering (acquired by Fortescue in 2022) and Downer Group, the locomotive repurposes a former GE diesel unit (serial #50708) into a cutting-edge BEL 26.

• The design promises to be the "world’s most energy-efficient battery electric locomotive", with potential global applications 78.

5. Future Goals

• The Infinity Train aligns with Fortescue’s net-zero-by-2030 target and could revolutionize heavy-haul rail transport by proving the viability of gravity-powered energy recovery 39.

• If successful, the technology may be commercialized globally, offering a template for decarbonizing other hard-to-abate industries 68.