Hydrogen and Dual-Fuel Technology: Transforming Western Australia's Heavy Haulage Industry

Western Australia's mining and resources sector relies heavily on heavy haulage transport, with hundreds of millions of litres of diesel consumed annually to move resources from mine sites to ports. As the industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, innovative solutions that deliver immediate, practical results are essential. Dual-fuel hydrogen technology is emerging as a leading option that balances environmental benefits with operational reliability.

The Challenge of Decarbonising Heavy Transport

Heavy transport remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Battery electric solutions, while advancing rapidly for passenger vehicles, face significant challenges in the heavy haulage sector due to:

• Weight limitations that reduce payload capacity
• Extended charging times incompatible with 24/7 operations
• Limited range in remote mining regions
• High ambient temperatures affecting battery performance

The Western Australian mining sector requires solutions that maintain operational efficiency while reducing emissions. This is particularly true in the Mid-West region, where over 280 million litres of diesel are imported annually through the Geraldton Port to service mining operations.

Dual-Fuel Technology: A Practical Bridge

Dual-fuel hydrogen injection technology offers a practical transition pathway by:

• Retrofitting existing vehicles rather than requiring fleet replacement
• Reducing diesel consumption by up to 50% in heavy haulage trucks
• Maintaining operational reliability with diesel as a backup fuel
• Avoiding range anxiety associated with pure hydrogen vehicles
• Delivering immediate emissions reductions rather than waiting for future solutions

This approach aligns with the mining industry's need for proven, reliable solutions that can be implemented today while building toward a zero-emission future.

Real-World Implementation in Western Australia

Leading transport operators in Western Australia are already considering dual-fuel technology in commercial operations. Newhaul, which operates a fleet of 45 trucks moving 3 million tonnes of iron ore annually, has begun retrofitting vehicles with hydrogen injection systems that synchronise with the vehicle's existing diesel engine.

These systems are particularly well-suited to the "return-to-base" operations common in mining logistics, where vehicles operate on predictable routes between mines and ports, returning regularly to central hubs where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure can be efficiently deployed.

The Hydrogen Supply Chain

For dual-fuel technology to reach its potential, reliable hydrogen supply is essential. Western Australia's Mid-West region is ideally positioned to develop local hydrogen production due to:

• World-class renewable resources with wind capacity factors exceeding 40%
• Strategic infrastructure including grid connections, pipelines, and transport corridors
• Proximity to major diesel consumers in mining and transport

Localized hydrogen production near the Warradarge Wind Farm can leverage these advantages to supply the heavy haulage sector with competitively priced hydrogen. With a behind-the-meter connection to renewable energy and on-site water resources, hydrogen production can achieve high utilization rates and competitive costs.

Economic Benefits Beyond Emissions Reduction

The adoption of dual-fuel technology delivers benefits beyond emissions reduction:

• Reduced fuel costs as hydrogen reaches price parity with diesel
• Enhanced energy security through locally produced fuel
• Protection against carbon pricing and other emissions-related costs
• Pathway to full hydrogen conversion as vehicle technology advances

For mining companies focused on reducing Scope 3 emissions, supporting the transition to hydrogen-enabled transport provides a tangible demonstration of commitment to sustainability goals.

Looking Forward: The Pathway to Zero Emissions

While dual-fuel technology offers immediate emissions reductions, it also creates the foundation for a longer-term transition to zero-emission transport:

• Stage 1: Dual-fuel retrofit technology reducing diesel consumption by 30-50%
• Stage 2: Advanced hydrogen engines with higher hydrogen substitution rates (70-90%)
• Stage 3: Purpose-built hydrogen combustion engines or fuel cell electric vehicles

This staged approach allows the industry to reduce emissions immediately while infrastructure and technology continue to develop, avoiding the "perfect being the enemy of the good."

Conclusion

Western Australia's heavy haulage sector has a clear opportunity to lead the nation in transport decarbonisation through the strategic adoption of dual-fuel hydrogen technology. By leveraging the region's renewable energy resources and establishing local hydrogen production, the industry can achieve meaningful emissions reductions today while building toward a zero-emission future.

For companies operating in the mining and resources sector, partnering with renewable energy developers and hydrogen producers offers a practical pathway to meet sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency and reliability.

Warradarge Energy is developing Western Australia's leading green hydrogen project in partnership with transport operators to deploy dual-fuel technology across the Mid-West region's heavy haulage fleet. For more information on our clean transport solutions, visit our Clean Transport page.

Acknowledgement of Country

We respect and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the connections they have with the land and waters, their traditions, cultures and commit to building a brighter future together.

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