In the vast expanse of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Holcim Australia, along with Scania and HYDI, is pioneering a shift in transport technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
Holcim uses road trains, consisting of Scania R620 V8 Euro 5 145-ton rated prime movers, to transport quarry materials across distances ranging from 10 km up to 600 km. These road trains, hauling payloads of up to 100 tons in triple-trailer configurations, are a common sight in remote regions, and essential for logistical operations.
To advance its goals to reduce Scope 3 emissions, Holcim has retrofitted two of its prime movers with HYDI Hydrogen on Demand HY2500 units.
These units produce hydrogen on demand from distilled water using electrolysis via a proton exchange membrane. The unit draws a low electrical input from the host engine while in operation.
Hydrogen supplements the diesel fuel to create a cleaner and more complete combustion process with the amount of hydrogen produced optimised for the capacity and application of the engine.
” Holcim has seen reductions in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent, and additional emission reductions of 17 per cent less carbon dioxide, 80 per cent lower diesel particulate matter (DPM), 22 per cent lower nitrogen oxides (NOX), and 25 per cent lower carbon monoxide (CO),” says Adam Evans, Logistics Manager for Aggregates Western Australia at Holcim.
Holcim is also exploring options to have HYDI units installed on other equipment including diesel generators and heavy mining equipment.
The HYDI technology not only enhances machinery performance by increasing torque and extending service intervals but also represents a cost-effective solution to transition diesel-powered equipment toward cleaner operations.
“HYDI’s technology harnesses the benefits of hydrogen in an efficient, affordable and sophisticated way scaled to apply to multiple applications,” says John Wilson, Managing Director of HYDI.
Scania has been a committed and enthusiastic partner in the trial and is honouring the original repair and maintenance package provided with the vehicles.
“Scania stepped up to the project, made sure we had all the vehicle and system information needed for a smooth installation of the HYDI units, and are eager to help us extend the project even further,” adds Adam.
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