Net zero-carbon mining: Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems to introduce innovative mtu hybrid haul truck concept at MINExpo 2021

Many mining companies have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. Rolls-Royce sees several sustainable solutions to help them achieve this: Hybrid propulsion systems for dump trucks, sustainable fuels, fuel cells, internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen and microgrid solutions that provide energy to mines in a climate-friendly way.

• mtu hybrid haul truck concept reduces emissions by up to 30%
• Technologies for cutting CO₂ emissions take centre stage
• Microgrids, sustainable fuels, fuel cells and hydrogen engines all part of net zero vision

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 13-Sep-2021 — /EuropaWire/ — The showcase includes both existing products and future technologies currently under development. In focus, is a groundbreaking new mtu concept for a hybrid haul truck which could help cut CO₂ emissions by as much as 30%. It is based on existing mtu products and technologies that will be on display for the first time in this combination: a state-of-the-art 12V 2000 mining engine, together with an mtu EnergyPack battery system. In addition, Rolls-Royce will present its climate-friendly microgrid solutions for mining customers and future technologies such as sustainable fuels, fuel cells and combustion engines running on hydrogen. Rolls-Royce will also showcase its proven mtu engines for a wide range of mining applications which can help bring down emissions and operating costs.

Scott Woodruff, head of Rolls-Royce’s global mining business, said: “Our environment is a critical topic for the mining industry. Mining companies are leading change and holding themselves accountable with ambitious, responsible targets to reduce emissions. We will use MINExpo to discuss with the industry how we can help them reach these targets and achieve net zero emissions.”

Rolls-Royce has a plan with sequential steps for the mining industry: from existing Tier 4 technology – which already reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 6% compared to Tier 2 engines – to the use of sustainable fuels and new technologies, such as fuel cells and combustion engines running on hydrogen.

The latest and possibly most spectacular idea is the mtu hybrid haul truck concept. Alexander Richter, mining application engineer at Rolls-Royce and the mastermind behind the concept, explained: “We envision equipping haul trucks with a combination of mtu diesel engines and batteries; our mtu EnergyPacks. The batteries are recharged by recuperating braking energy when going downhill. This stored energy is used to provide power to the loaded truck when going uphill. This allows us to replace the existing engine with a downsized one, leading to huge fuel savings and a meaningful reduction in CO₂ emissions.”

Rolls-Royce has simulated operations with a haul truck whose mtu 16V 4000 engine, with an output of 1865 KW, is replaced by a 16V 2000 engine, with an output of 1163 KW, leading to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 30% for newbuilt trucks and 22% for retrofits – all with identical performance to the original version of the truck. The concept uses existing components and will be realized by Rolls-Royce in partnership with customers.

Rolls-Royce is also pioneering additional technologies that will help mining operators achieve net zero carbon emissions: mtu engines are currently being adapted to run on sustainable fuels which are made from hydrogen with the help of renewable power. These fuels play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in applications which are hard to electrify. By 2023, the newest generations of mtu Series 2000 and 4000 engines are set to be compatible with these fuels. Hydrogen-fuelled engines and fuel cells will also soon be part of the company’s net zero emissions portfolio, first in stationary applications (for electrical power generation) but potentially for mining at a later stage.

At MINExpo, Rolls-Royce will also present its microgrid solutions for mining customers. These are sustainable energy supply systems that can be operated in remote regions, independent of public power grids. The solutions combine renewable energy sources with an mtu battery storage system and mtu diesel and/or gas generator system, in addition to a central plant controller that ensures electricity is made available in a reliable and efficient manner.

Under its strategy PS 2030, Power Systems is transforming from an engine manufacturer to a provider of integrated sustainable solutions for the carbon-neutral future. It has committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions of its new products by 35% by 2030 compared to 2019. This goal is to be reached by using sustainable fuels and building on new CO₂-free technologies. At MINExpo, Rolls-Royce experts will give presentations on their plans and products for the mining industry with the goal of deepening the existing dialogue on sustainable technologies with partners and customers.

Press photos are available for download from
https://www.mtu-solutions.com/eu/en/news-and-media/media-center.html

Media contact:

Richard Wray
Director of External Communications
richard.wray@rolls-royce.com

SOURCE: Rolls-Royce Holdings plc