In recent years, various companies have tried to reduce carbon production. A new kind of train, making a big leap in cutting carbon.
It is an Australian technology company, Fortescue Future Industries, which has just announced the development of the "Infinity Train". Instead of relying on renewable energy generators to charge, the train will recharge its batteries using gravity.
Fortescue announced this state-of-the-art train in early March, following its acquisition of UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). Together, the two companies are working to bring the world's first unlimited high-speed rail to life, as part of their "green" fleet initiative.
"Infinity Train will join Fortescue's green fleet under development and will contribute to Fortescue becoming a major player in the growing global market for green transportation, delivering great value to our shareholders," said Fortescue Founder and Chairman Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, quoted from BGR.
Forrest also said that Infinity Train will help accelerate Fortescue's race to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. The company also hopes to lower operating costs and create more efficient maintenance opportunities.
Recharging on the move
The interesting thing about Infinity is its ability to recharge while on the move. Fortescue said the electric batteries would be recharged using gravity while the train was traveling down the downhill section of its rail network. That means, there's no need to refill or refuel once you reach the station.
Overall, Fortescue spent more than $50 million developing Infinity Train over the next two years. Fortescue said they hope to offer significant commercialization opportunities in the future as well, so that more Infinity trains appear around the world.
"High-performance batteries and electrical systems are at the core of what our company does. And this is an exciting opportunity for both companies to work together and tackle most of the world's climate change issues," said WAE CEO Craig Wilson.
Currently, Fortescue uses 54 locomotives that are already in operation. In 2021, the company's rail operations consume 82 million liters of diesel fuel. Fortescue hopes to greatly reduce that cost, and eventually phase it out completely within the next few years, thanks to Infinity Train.
There is still a lot of work to be done in the development of Infinity Train. Even after completion, it may take months or even years for other railways to implement it.