GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables - December 13, 2023
GM and Komatsu Collaborate on Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Mining Truck
General Motors and Komatsu plan to develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck, an ultra-class haul truck.
GM, an auto manufacturer working in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Komatsu, a global manufacturer of mining and construction equipment, will jointly design and validate the technology.
Hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines due to their lightweight nature. Fuel cells are a good zero-tailpipe emissions solution for vehicles with extreme hauling requirements, like the Komatsu 930E mining truck, with its nominal payload of 320 tons.
“At GM, we believe fuel cells can play an integral role in a zero-emissions future, helping to electrify heavier-duty applications, beyond passenger vehicles,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business, in a statement. “Mining trucks are among the largest, most capable vehicles used in any industry, and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero emissions propulsion to these demanding applications.”
Komatsu’s fuel cell-powered mining trucks will provide an additional pathway for decarbonization beyond battery-trolley or battery-static charging solutions without the need for additional charging infrastructure within mines.
The company set a target of reducing its global emissions by 50% by 2030 - the plans for achieving these goals include reducing and eliminating emissions within the company’s product offerings, as well as in the company’s facilities and production of its products.
GM and Komatsu intend to test the first prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds (AZPG) research and development facility. This vehicle will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
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