Seattle-based carbon reduction company First Mode has announced plans to use its proving grounds at the former TransAlta Centralia mine to test zero-emission mining equipment, including Komatsu 930E-4 ultra class haul trucks, according to a news release.
The trucks will be retrofitted with hybrid batteries and hydrogen fuel cell engines. Additionally, the proving grounds will also be used to test associated mining infrastructure that will be needed for the trucks, such as battery charging, hydrogen refueling and hydrogen production.
“The First Mode Proving Grounds, which includes an outdoor work yard and office space, is located at the TransAlta Centralia Mine, a former coal mine now in the process of reclamation. The site enables First Mode to better analyze full mine site infrastructure and operations in a true mining environment. First Mode is leasing the space from TransAlta,” First Mode stated in a news release.
First Mode’s proof-of-concept hydrogen-powered haul truck was successfully tested earlier this year at a platinum mine in South Africa, according to the release.
Now, the company seeks to further test the trucks as well as the associated infrastructure they require.
“The First Mode Proving Grounds in Centralia is a critical next step in our mission to help heavy industry eliminate diesel and transition to clean energy,” First Mode CEO Chris Voorhees stated in the release. “The site will support both the optimization of ultra-class haul trucks and the full infrastructure associated with diesel-free mobility and the production and distribution of clean energy.”
Retrofitted trucks are expected to arrive at the proving grounds spring of 2023, according to the company.
