Alcoa and Aurizon on track for battery-electric train trial

Alcoa and Aurizon (ASX: AZJ) will run a world-first trial on Alcoa’s Pinjarra–Kwinana rail route in WA, testing battery-electric technology to cut emissions from heavy rail operations.

The Battery Electric Tender (BET) trial — also involving Alta Battery Technology and supported by a funding grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) — will use a battery-powered train wagon coupled with a modified locomotive, designed to operate as a hybrid system using both battery-electric and diesel power sources.

The system captures regenerative energy during braking and downhill travel and will feature a static charging station for battery recharging.

Alcoa Australia president Elsabe Muller says decarbonisation is a key priority, including working in collaboration with suppliers to ensure upstream and downstream operations are striving for reductions in emissions.

“Transport, including rail, is a key requirement for Alcoa’s operations and we are pleased to support the trial with Aurizon,” she said.

“This project could have broader implications across our business and is one of multiple initiatives with potential to assist Alcoa’s net-zero ambitions.”

Alcoa global procurement and transportation vice president Mateus Tiraboschi comments on the trial.

“The global procurement and transportation team has been working in all regions to identify and deliver transport innovations that reduce Alcoa’s risk, costs, and drive competitive advantage,” he said.

“This is another great example of future technology that will deliver on these goals and I am incredibly proud to see the Australian transportation team generating value beyond savings.”

Work on the wagon for the BET is now complete with detailed design underway for the locomotive modifications, battery container and charging infrastructure.

The BET is expected to be on track in H2 CY26.