Hitachi Energy and BluVein have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to accelerate the electrification of heavy mining vehicle fleets and resolve one of the biggest challenges in mining operations decarbonisation.
The advanced power electronics and digital charging technology of Hitachi Energy enable BluVein’s e-rail charging technology to safely and reliably supply electric power to vehicles weighing up to 400 tons during material transit.
The collaboration will speed up the development of a fast and flexible high-power dynamic charging solution for open pit and underground mines, as well as quarries around the world. BluVein will concentrate on its state-of-the-art e-rail technology and truck connection, which Hitachi Energy will complement with advanced power electronics and digital solutions for powering and monitoring the entire system.
“A strategic partnership with BluVein enables our mining industry customers to trial next-generation dynamic charging solutions that are crucial to achieving net-zero emission goals without jeopardising operational practices or productivity,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Network and Energy Quality Solutions and Services Business at Hitachi Energy. “We believe this new collaborative approach will help us achieve our goal of speeding up the transition to fully electric mining and achieving a carbon-neutral future.”
“This agreement supports BluVein’s mission of collaborating with a technology leader to deliver a universal dynamic connector that will assist in eliminating the use of fossil fuels in mining and help power the industry worldwide to achieve decarbonisation goals,” stated James Oliver, CEO of BluVein. “Together we are assisting the industry in moving towards a more sustainable and responsible future.”
Hitachi Energy and BluVein are also studying off-board hardware requirements for BluVein1 for underground and smaller fleets, while actively cooperating on the currently under construction BluVein Proving Grounds in Queensland, Australia.
