Antofagasta PLC’s Transport Division Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB) has unveiled the first hydrogen-powered locomotive in Chile and South America, a milestone in the company’s effort to develop alternatives to fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make mining more sustainable.
The locomotive, powered by hydrogen produced using renewable energy, is expected to start operating in 2025 and is part of the company’s strategy to replace diesel fuel and curb its carbon footprint. Last year, Antofagasta incorporated the Chilean mining industry’s biggest fleet of electric pick-up trucks at its Centinela mine. In the wider context of the global energy transition, the news also aligns with Antofagasta’s objective to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30% by 2035, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“This milestone is a major step forward in terms of innovation, which is the hallmark of Antofagasta and FCAB. It will allow us to learn about this new fuel, which only emits water vapour and hot air, unlike diesel. We want to explore other possible uses of this fuel in the future, when the technology is more mature,” said Iván Arriagada, Antofagasta’s Chief Executive Officer.
The 1,000-kilowatt locomotive, developed by CRRC Qishuyan, is equipped with a high-capacity battery and a 35 MPa on-board hydrogen storage system. It also has a lightweight design, which reduces the weight by approximately 30 t compared to other hydrogen locomotives. “Our commitment to the community of Antofagasta and to our clients means we explore all available technologies to progressively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and, in this way, contribute to combatting climate change,” said David Fernández, the General Manager of the FCAB.
“I would like to congratulate this decision by the FCAB, which takes advantage of the opportunities offered by new technologies both for decarbonisation in the freight industry and to enhance its link with the mining industry. I wish the company much success in the development of this project and I hope that FCAB continues to promote this type of initiative to support more sustainable economic growth,” said Nicolás Grau, Chile’s Minister of Economy, in a message to FCAB.
FCAB has secured a supply of hydrogen throughout 2024 and is in the final stages of preparing its facilities for the new locomotive, as well as training personnel in the maintenance and operation of the machine. This milestone positions Antofagasta as the first company in South America to use hydrogen-powered locomotives, cementing its pioneering position in the region.