Aurizon signs agreement with Alcoa for new technology trial in Western Australia

Aurizon has signed an agreement with Alcoa to conduct a Battery Electric Tender (BET) trial on Alcoa’s Kwinana to Pinjarra route in Western Australia, marking a key step in the development of innovative, new rail freight solutions with lower carbon emissions.

The Battery Electric Tender is a battery-powered unit (wagon) coupled with a modified locomotive, designed to operate as a hybrid system using both diesel and battery-electric power sources. It captures regenerative energy during braking and downhill travel and will feature a static DC charging station for recharging its batteries.

Alcoa is a long-standing customer of Aurizon, and this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in freight operations.

This follows Aurizon’s announcement in March 2024 of a funding grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support the BET project, which aims to reduce emissions by integrating battery-electric technology into heavy haul rail operations.

Work on the wagon for the BET has now been completed, and detailed design is underway for the locomotive modifications, battery container, and charging infrastructure. The BET is expected to be on track in the second half of 2026.

Aurizon Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said the agreement with Alcoa reflects the company’s commitment to working with customers to deliver innovative, scalable solutions for decarbonising freight.

“This agreement is an important milestone in our BET project,” Mr Harding said.

“It’s part of our broader strategy to transition our locomotive fleet to zero-emissions technologies, tailored to the diverse needs of our customers and the unique operating conditions across Australia.”

Rail is one of the lowest carbon options for long-distance freight transport and exciting technology such as the BET will further enhance this advantage delivering benefits for customers, regional communities and the environment.

Alcoa Australia President Elsabe Muller said decarbonisation was a key priority, including working in collaboration with suppliers to ensure upstream and downstream operations were striving for reductions in emissions. 

“Transport, including rail, is a key requirement for Alcoa’s operations and we are pleased to support the trial with Aurizon,” Ms Muller said. 

“This project could have broader implications across our business and is one of multiple initiatives with potential to assist Alcoa’s net-zero ambitions.”   

The BET and modified locomotive are being developed in partnership with Alta Battery Technology, whose solutions enable hybrid or fully electric conversions of existing assets. Alta’s technology is designed to make electrification commercially viable for heavy industries, helping them meet net-zero commitments without premature asset replacement. The system includes Alta’s advanced DC-to-DC converter, which integrates electric power sources with existing diesel assets.

Aurizon continues to explore a range of zero-emissions technologies to support the continued decarbonisation of freight supply chains across its national footprint.

About Aurizon:

Aurizon (ASX: AZJ) is Australia’s largest rail freight operator and an ASX-listed company. Each year, the Company transports more than 250 million tonnes of Australian commodities, connecting miners, primary producers and industry with international and domestic markets. It provides customers with integrated freight and logistics solutions across an extensive national rail and road network, traversing Australia.

About Alcoa

About Alcoa in Australia Alcoa has a proud history in Australia which it aims to continue by adding value to the communities where it operates, providing jobs for future generations and managing the environment via world-leading research and rehabilitation programs.

• Alcoa’s Australian operations have been contributing to the nation’s economy since 1963, investing more than $15.2 billion in capital over 62 years.
• Alcoa employs some 4600 people in Australia. Approximately 4040 live in Western Australia.
• In our 62 years, Alcoa has developed 2739 apprentices, trainees and graduates.
• In 2024, 71 per cent of Alcoa Australia’s revenue stayed in Australia through wages, local spend, taxes and royalties. Our Australian operations:
  • Invested $2.7 billion with 1732 Australian suppliers;
  • Paid $298 million in local, state and federal government taxes and royalties;
  • Paid $931 million in Australian wages, salaries and associated benefits; and
  • Made $5.8 million in community contributions, along with the Alcoa Foundation.

Discover more by visiting www.alcoa.com/australia, or follow us on our Australian social media channels: Facebook and Instagram

About Alcoa Corporation Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminium products with a vision to reinvent the aluminium industry for a sustainable future. With a values-based approach that encompasses integrity, operating excellence, care for people and courageous leadership, our purpose is to Turn Raw Potential into Real Progress. Since developing the process that made aluminium an affordable and vital part of modern life, our talented employees have developed breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to greater efficiency, safety, sustainability, and stronger communities wherever we operate. Discover more by visiting www.alcoa.com, or follow us on our global social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn

For more information, please contact

Aurizon Corporate Affairs: media@aurizon.com.au

Alcoa Media Contact: Simon Shepherdson | simon.shepherdson@alcoa.com | 0413 809 404