The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
To collaborate on hydrogen fuel cells, other tech for trucks Metal Tech News - July 6, 2022
Komatsu's power agnostic mining truck concept being tested at the company's proving grounds in Tucson, Arizona.
To further delve into the development of zero-emissions mining haul trucks, Komatsu is teaming up with Cummins, a global power leader best known for its diesel engines.
Building on a longtime partnership of Cummins diesel engines powering a wide variety of Komatsu mining and construction equipment, the companies are now collaborating on zero-emissions power technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell solutions for large mining haul trucks.
"Cummins has been a long-term partner of Komatsu and has been investing in the key technologies required to support the energy transition in mining," said Masayuki Moriyama, president of Komatsu's Mining Business Division. "These are critical technologies for helping mining customers reduce carbon emissions and accelerate carbon neutrality."
The power systems developed by Cummins are expected to complement the power agnostic mining haul truck concept unveiled by Komatsu last year, which can easily be configured to operate on multiple power sources such as diesel-electric, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and trolley.
Cummins' strategy for zero-emission involves transitioning to lower carbon fuels such as natural gas, biodiesel, and hydro-treated vegetable oil to bridge the technology gap between hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric power sources.
"On the path to zero emissions, we want to remind the industry that it's a path to zero emission, it's not a light switch event," Cummins Director Mike Fowler said earlier this year.
"Getting to the goal of zero emissions in 2050 does require changes in our product planning today, rather than waiting for the commercialization of fuel cell or battery electric technology," he added.
This does not mean that Cummins is idly waiting on others to develop these technologies. The power provider already has a broad portfolio of batteries, fuel cell systems, and electrolyzers that are already being used to produce green hydrogen.
As a leading independent power provider in the mining segment, Cummins knows how to build reliable products that can withstand the harshest environments – a unique understanding that is expected to be advantageous as the partners develop zero-emissions mining trucks.
"Komatsu's deep expertise in mining and equipment design and integration paired with our advanced power technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, will accelerate decarbonization of mining equipment," said Amy Davis, president of new power at Cummins. "The mining industry has great potential to lead in adopting renewable solutions."
For its part, Komatsu brings decades of innovative product development focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the table. Electric diesel dump trucks, hybrid excavators, electric power excavators, regenerative energy storage capabilities, and fuel saver programs are among the emissions-reducing technologies the equipment manufacturer has developed for its customers.
The collaboration with Cummins is part of Komatsu's effort to accelerate sustainable solutions for its customers.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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