Remote Energy has established a formal distributor partnership with Haynes Group, a Sime Darby Industrial Company, to deliver and deploy its Eco-Drive anti-idle solution for haul trucks to Australian mining companies.

Remote Energy’s Eco-Drive, when combined with a DC HVAC unit, provides a robust and reliable solution that enables the truck’s main engine to shut off at idle, while maintaining sufficient power to keep the air conditioning and other critical operating systems running – without fail, the company says.

With haul truck idle times ranging anywhere from 10-40% of total operating time, there are significant advantages to deploying a reliable anti-idle solution. Most notably significant reductions to fuel consumption, resulting in an overall reduction in carbon emissions.

“The Eco-Drive also offers mining companies the opportunity to extend asset life, whilst reducing maintenance and fuel costs,” Remote Energy added.

The partnership will see Haynes Group market, install and support the Eco-Drive to mining clients in Queensland, New South Wales and Canada.

The Haynes Group is, Remote Energy says, uniquely positioned to service mining clients in these regions, employing more than 700 people across a national footprint as a major service provider to some of the world’s largest industrial organisations in BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo American Metallurgical Coal, Thiess, Downer Group, NRW and Ergon Energy.

Nathan Mitchell, Chairman of Remote Energy, said: “We have long held the belief that decreasing mobile mining fleet emissions is a significant challenge facing the sector. While there are several emerging technologies in development that will help solve these issues, we believe it will take time for those technologies to mature before they can be used to replace or repurpose existing mining fleets. As a result, there is still a global mining fleet that must discover more efficient ways to operate.

“We see the Eco-Drive as one of these bridge efficiency technologies that can provide significant advantages to existing haul truck fleets. The solution has specifically been designed to be non-intrusive to the OEM design, and provides immediate economic, environmental and operational benefits to end users. We are delighted to be partnering with Haynes; their industry position, as well as their strong ties to the Caterpillar brand and large network, make them a perfect partner to assist in bringing change to a changing mining industry.”

Remote Energy Technical lead, Wayne Panther, said over 500 power systems were currently in operation around the world, showing the company had established a reputation and track record for deploying reliable and efficient, low voltage power solutions.

“The Eco-Drive not only provides an independent power source for the haul truck but has a built-in air compressor for filling the truck’s air receiver tanks on demand,” he said. “This is driving significant efficiency gains, eliminating the need for a service truck to be deployed to refill truck receiver tanks after a rain event.”

Tony Liddelow, VP Commercial operations of Haynes Global, said: “With our extensive network of workshops, field service, and component repair facilities we are uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless supply from installation through to after sales support to our clients. We see the Eco-Drive as the key to delivering a reliable and effective anti-idle solution to our clients.”