Engie, Anglo American to co-develop hydrogen-powered mining haul truck

French power utility Engie SA (EPA:ENGI) and mining multinational Anglo American plc (LON:AAL) have signed an agreement to co-develop a hydrogen-powered mining haul truck.

The duo will modify an existing 300-metric-tonne truck, replace its diesel tank with hydrogen tanks and take out the engine to install hydrogen fuel cells and a battery pack.

Engie said Thursday it will be in charge of providing the hydrogen generation solutions, while Anglo American will develop the truck. Solar power at Anglo American’s mining site will be used to produce hydrogen.

The partners expect to get the hydrogen-powered truck moving in 2020, after which they will run a testing and validation programme at a platinum group metals (PGMs) mine in South Africa. The next stage will see more trucks deployed at other Anglo American operations.

In terms of operational performance, converted trucks are expected to be the same or better compared to their diesel-fuelled predecessors, with an added benefit of leaving behind cleaner air, less noise and lower maintenance costs, Anglo American said in a separate press statement.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!