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Meet the world’s lightest 510t truck
By Anglo American
A solution so ambitious, it didn’t exist.
So we made it from scratch.
nuGenTM represents what it means to think about mining differently. Our FutureSmart MiningTM programme is developing and implementing step-change innovations that are transforming the very nature of mining and how our stakeholders experience our business. We are working towards a world where our mines are integrated, automated, carbon neutral, and use far less water. A safer, smarter, more sustainable future.
To start big, we went light
Light on emissions.
Light on the environment.
And fuelled by the lightest element on earth – hydrogen gas.
This is the inspiration behind our nuGenTM Zero Emission Haulage Solution (ZEHS) project, an end-to-end integrated green hydrogen production, fuelling, and haulage system for mine sites.
Our pilot for the nuGenTM Zero Emission Haulage Solution is a hydrogen-powered ultra-class mine haul truck. It’s an ambitious project that marks the first time a truck of this size and load capacity (a 220t truck with a load capacity of 290t = a total laden weight of 510t) has been converted to run on hydrogen that will be produced on-site in hybrid combination with a battery.
- The nuGenTM truck is retrofitted from a diesel-powered vehicle. The truck uses a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell providing roughly half of the power and a battery pack the other half, to allow energy recovery from braking.
- Hydrogen enters the fuel cell from the tank and mixes with oxygen to create water in a chemical reaction catalysed by platinum. This generates electricity that is used to power the motors that drive the wheels. The only emission from the vehicle is water vapour.
- The 2-megawatt hybrid battery/hydrogen fuel cell powerplant, which replaces the diesel engine installed, has been designed by Anglo American and our partner First Mode in Seattle, USA.
- The power management and battery systems in the truck have been developed to improve overall efficiency by recovering energy when the haul trucks travel downhill, through regenerative braking.
- By harvesting the regenerative energy created when driving downhill, we reduce our need for external energy. This energy, stored in the battery, together with the hydrogen extends the truck's range and reduces the out of cycle time for the trucks, since hydrogen refueling is significantly faster than recharging batteries.
As part of the integrated nuGen™ solution, we have also built a zero emission vehicles hydrogen production, storage, and refueling complex at Mogalakwena that incorporates the largest electrolyser in Africa and a solar PV field to support the operation of the haul truck.
ENGIE is the hydrogen producer and supplier in this proof of concept project.
Visit ENGIE’s website here: engie.com
May 13, 2022
Beijing 2023 Global Energy Transition Forum
World's largest class! New Energy Comprehensive Exhibition
On July 5-7, 2023, the Society of Automotive Engineers of China and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association successfully held the 2023 International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Conference and Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the "Conference"). With the theme of "demonstration leads, hydrogen inspires the future", the conference focuses on the demonstration application and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, multi-field application innovation practices, clean hydrogen production and commercial development paths, infrastructure and storage and transportation safety, and core components In-depth discussions on hot topics such as key technologies and key equipment for the hydrogen energy industry, and actively provide suggestions for the high-quality development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industries. Hou Fushen, Deputy Secretary-General of SAE-China presided over the opening ceremony. Miao Changxing , first-level inspector of the Equipment Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Wang Qinglin, first-level inspector of the International Cooperation Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, Han Dadong , director of the Intelligent Manufacturing Promotion Division of the Shanghai Economic and Information Commission, and Li Feng , deputy head of the People's Government of Jiading District, Shanghai speech. Zou Ciyong , Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization , Klaus Bonhoff , Director of the Basic Policy Department of the German Federal Ministry of Digitalization and Transport, and Rebecca Maserumule, President of the International Partnership for Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Economy, delivered video speeches at the conference. With the theme of "demonstration leads, hydrogen inspires the future", the conference focuses on the demonstration application and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, multi-field application innovation practices, clean hydrogen production and commercial development paths, infrastructure and storage and transportation safety, and core components In-depth discussions on hot topics such as key technologies and key equipment for the hydrogen energy industry, and actively provide suggestions for the high-quality development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industries.
The Global Platform Where Hydrogen Deals Get Done.
South Africa is participating in the world’s largest exhibition in the hydrogen and fuel cell (FC) industry, showcasing the latest technologies, research and development innovation, components, materials and devices. Taking place in Tokyo from 15 to 17 March, the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo forms part of a series of events that comprise World Smart Energy Week. In line with global developments, South Africa sees the hydrogen economy as a potential game changer to re-industrialise the country and to become an exporter of cost-effective green hydrogen to the world, leveraging its abundant mineral and natural resources such as solar and wind. The Cabinet approval of the National Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa 2021 and the release of the Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report are the culmination of a long-standing investment by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in the development and application of scientific knowledge domains such as the hydrogen economy, which South Africa sees as critical for advancing national development and global competitiveness. The DSI considers the expo platform to be an opportunity to showcase the relevant infrastructure, technical capabilities and competencies established through the three Centres of Competence (HySA Catalysis, HySA Infrastructure and HySA Systems) as part of implementing the DSI-supported Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme. In addition to the three HySA Centres of Competence, the DSI has invited eight South African companies (HyPlat, Bambili Energy, Anglo American Platinum , Coega Development Corporation, Sasol Limited, Hive Energy, InfiniX Energy and Midnite Aerospace Solutions) to be part of the exhibitors in the South African pavilion. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an entity of the DSI, will also exhibit its work towards the development of a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, using locally developed fuel cell technology to support efforts to decarbonise aviation in South Africa. Apart from showcasing their capabilities, stakeholders will be able to explore complementary partnerships to unlock the potential socio-economic benefits of the integration of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies in various sectors of the economy. The South African pavilion will demonstrate the country’s potential to sell green hydrogen and green ammonia to countries such as Japan and the UK at globally competitive prices, as well as the ability to create an enabling ecosystem that supports hydrogen innovation and skills development. The expo will also be used to explore strategic partnerships that will promote the manufacturing of locally developed intellectual property across the Hydrogen Valley corridor.
The South African Green Hydrogen TVET Ecosystem Just Transition Strategic Framework
One of our chosen pathways for reaching a low-carbon future is the adoption of hydrogen as an energy source, over less sustainable and more polluting options. Hydrogen is the earth’s most abundant element, and is a versatile, zero-emission energy carrier with a high energy density. It can also be stored in large quantities and for long periods and can be employed in sectors that are hard to decarbonise (so-called ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors), including long-haul heavy-duty transport, chemicals, steel, cement, aviation, and shipping. It can also be used as a store of energy generated from renewables. The Hydrogen Council currently estimates that hydrogen could represent 18% of global energy demand by 2050. Platinum group metals (PGMs), essential in cleaning up the noxious gases from internal combustion engines (ICE) for some time to come, also play a critical role in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time.
A solution so ambitious, it didn’t exist. So we made it from scratch.
Introducing nuGenTM Solution, Anglo American's Zero Emissions Haulage Solution It’s a product of a culture that takes clean energy seriously.
