The Charge for Change

Photo credit: Charge On Innovation Challenge

This article was published by Eva McKee on 15 September, 2022

Our fourth and final chapter on the Charge on Innovation Challenge explores solutions presented by the two remaining finalists, 3ME Technology and Shell Consortium.

With over fifteen years' experience in battery systems and e-mobility, it was no surprise that 3ME Technology's solution progressed to the final stage of the challenge. The company prides itself on developing and manufacturing remotely monitored, reliable, safe and scalable battery systems that power heavy-duty mining equipment; these factors were unwavering in light of the challenge.

3ME Technology delivered a battery system purposely refined for the challenge. The company's submission revolves around their novel Bladevolt® XL system, which is haul-truck specific, modular, interoperable and scalable to fit the requirements of machine operations. The system is enabled to collect and examine critical data that will aid the improvement of processes moving forward. Moreover, the solution is cost-effective and accommodating to the recommended charging infrastructure.

A Shell-led consortium joins the ingenious pool of finalists with their large-scale haul truck electrification system. Since 2008, Shell Energy has been striving to deliver business energy solutions and innovation across a portfolio of electricity, gas, environmental and energy productivity. As for their submission, Shell put forward a cost-neutral, end-to-end interoperable electrification system for mobile mining equipment that works to minimise operational impact and decarbonise the industry. The consortium explained their submission, "combines an innovative, high-powered battery solution, with ultra-fast charging and a standardised micro-grid energy system."

The challenge, which sought solutions that safely and productively delivered electricity to 220-tonne trucks to reduce diesel fuel consumption, has gained global attention and praise. Founded by BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale and facilitated by GHD/Austmine, the contest was created for more reasons than those that initially come to mind. They aimed to: demonstrate an emerging market for charging solutions in mining; accelerate the commercialisation of solutions; indicate to suppliers that the mining industry seeks interoperable solutions; maintain multiple actors and competition in the supply chain; and integrate innovations from other sectors into the mining sector.

Vale's CEO, Eduardo Bartolomeo, said, "It is with great pride that we announce the winners of this Challenge who have presented solutions that promise to disrupt the sector. The decarbonisation challenge is so extensive that the mining industry cannot tackle it alone, but with partnerships such as these, we hope to reach this goal."

GHD is currently managing the process of determining consortia to drive the examination of preferred technologies. GHD's CEO, Ashley Wright, said, "Our role with Charge On Innovation Challenge is aligned with our Future Energy ambitions of helping clients and communities move to a future of reliable, affordable and secure low-carbon energy sooner. Decarbonising heavy-emitting sectors, including both mining and transport, will be crucial to realising this vision."

While it is still early days, it is evident the industry is reaching new levels via the success of the challenge thus far.

This article was originally published by the ComponentsONLY team in the September 2022 issue of "@ The Coal Face" magazine.