Smart Power for Smart Trains: Makinex at Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Hubs
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We’re excited to share a Sustainability Spotlight on the Rio Tinto Rail Response Hubs Project, where Makinex Renewables is helping to drive cleaner, more efficient energy solutions for one of Australia’s most iconic industrial operations.
Powering Innovation on the Track
The Rio Tinto Rail Response Hubs form a critical part of Australia’s largest privately owned and operated rail system, which includes the world-renowned AutoHaul™ automated heavy-haul network. This advanced system is the first of its kind globally, capable of operating fully automated trains to efficiently transport iron ore across nearly 2,000 kilometers of track. It connects 17 mines in the Pilbara region to ports and processing facilities, ensuring the continuous flow of iron ore, one of Australia’s most valuable exports.
Spanning 13 strategically located hubs, the Rail Response Network provides crucial support for monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the seamless operation of this complex rail system. Each train in the network comprises 230 carriages, with a total load of up to 23,000 tonnes of iron ore, and trains depart approximately every 15 minutes, underscoring the scale and efficiency of operations..
These hubs, vital for 24/7 oversight, were traditionally powered by small diesel generators—a solution that presented challenges such as high fuel consumption, frequent refueling, and significant emissions. To advance their sustainability initiatives and address these inefficiencies, Rio Tinto Iron Ore sought a cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective energy alternative
Makinex HPS: Innovating Energy for Remote Applications
The Makinex Renewables HPS45 Hybrid Power System was deployed at the Rosella Rail Response Hub, replacing the proposed 60kVA diesel generator. Featuring an 8kWp solar array, a 60kWh lithium battery system, and a fully automated 45kVA generator, the HPS45 delivers consistent, low-impact power while overcoming challenges unique to remote environments like the Pilbara. The Makinex proposal included inefficiencies in the following four key areas:- Fuel Efficiency: The HPS45 is projected to save 27,900 litres of diesel annually, reducing refueling site visits by 72%.
- Lower Emissions: The HPS45 aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 76 tonnes per year.
- Reduced Maintenance: Maintenance requirements, will be 95% less, reducing downtime and lowering service costs.
- Operational Savings: The HPS45 plans to deliver annual cost savings of $83,628.
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Additionally, the foldable solar panels allow for easy cleaning, mitigating the impact of dust accumulation—a significant issue in the arid Pilbara region.
A Commitment to a Cleaner Future
Through the deployment of Makinex’s cutting-edge HPS45, Rio Tinto is making significant strides toward sustainable energy use while maintaining seamless operations in one of the world’s most demanding environments. This partnership demonstrates the potential of hybrid power systems to transform how remote operations are powered, paving the way for a greener future in industrial energy solutions