Set Lagoas, Minas Gerais, BRAZIL - Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has launched a new battery-powered switcher locomotive to be available worldwide, working in partnership with its South American customer, Vale. Zero-emission, zero-idle and low noise EMD® Joule locomotive enhances Progress Rail's stock portfolio with the latest smart lithium-ion technology and reliable start-up performance within yard applications.
The new EMD® Joule will enter the pilot category this year, with the full service expected of Vale shortly thereafter, supporting operations in its Tubarão yard. Vale shared that this development contributes to its noble goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33 percent by 2030 and by carbon neutral by 2050 (scale 1 and 2) 1. While introducing more generation technology In the future, Progress Rail began to address industry challenges with Vale, as well as Brazilian engineering teams and US Progress Rail locomotive engineers, to deliver a solution with more power and charging capabilities.
“Our team is very proud of this exciting project, working closely with Vale to bring a new state-of-the-art technology locomotive in about 11 months. This locomotive will help Vale achieve its release goals, ”said Marty Haycraft, President and CEO of Progress Rail. "We look forward to continuing to support our global customers with new products and services to help them meet their operational and environmental goals."
According to Gustavo Bastos, senior manager at Vale’s Excellence Center and department of Innovation, EMD® Joule will also be a key step in developing solutions for Vale’s GHG reduction programs. "These machines represent a milestone in Vale's decarbonization strategy and are in line with its new agreement with the public," Bastos said.
Progress Rail anticipates the global availability of a locomotive switch in early 2021.
