Rio Tinto is a mining company working in 35 countries. They have committed to a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 2030, and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. They have an extensive rail fleet. Its diesel fuel usage contributes almost 30% of current Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The strategy to achieve their 2050 goal of net zero emissions includes transitioning to battery electric locomotives.
Challenge Rio Tinto seeks opportunities to implement emerging technologies that will allow for energy capture from the wagons and its storage and re-use to support efforts to decarbonise our rail network. Compatibility and integration with AutoHaul®, our autonomous, driverless operation would be required.
Solutions seeked Rio Tinto seeks ideas and solutions from the global research, technology, and innovation industry. They aim to: - Identify and support the development of options to capture and re-use energy from their rail wagon fleet. They will prioritise options at the prototype stage or more advanced, but concept options will also be considered - Stimulate the market to potentially transfer solutions from other industries - Understand the options for energy system management and control - Understand the options for onboard (locomotives and/or wagons) and wayside energy storage - Understand the options for energy transfer from wagons to locomotives and/or wayside energy storage - Capture key lessons for future developments or opportunities.
Solutions may include projects such as (but not limited to) energy capture by the wagons with isolated control at the wagon or integrated control with the locomotives; options for wagon/locomotive energy storage, integration and control; and will also consider alternative proposals to heavy haul freight rail operation (such as autonomous, self-propelled, automated, independent, flexible or modular concepts).
Timeline This initial phase will close for submissions on 10 November 2022. A shortlist of selected submissions will be contacted during the week of 5 December 2022 to discuss further.
Submission For more details, and Terms and Conditions, please consult the challenge description. Where you'll find the submission form.
Deadline November 10, 2022
Please email pioneerportal@riotinto.com
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