BHP, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has announced a trial of renewable diesel fuel at its Yandi iron ore operations in Western Australia. The trial is part of BHP’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. The trial will involve the use of renewable diesel fuel in some of the company’s heavy vehicles, such as haul trucks and other large equipment. BHP says it will be the largest trial of renewable diesel fuel in Australia.
The renewable diesel fuel is made from a blend of vegetable oils and other waste materials. It is a low-carbon alternative to conventional diesel and has a lower carbon intensity than petrol or diesel. The trial is part of BHP’s broader commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. BHP is aiming to reduce its emissions intensity across its operations by more than 50% by 2040.
BHP’s Chief Executive, Andrew Mackenzie, said the trial was an important step in the company’s journey towards a low-carbon future. “We are committed to reducing our emissions intensity and this trial is an important part of our journey to achieve that goal,” he said.
“Renewable diesel fuel is a promising technology and we are excited to be trialling it at our Yandi operations. We hope that the trial will help us to understand the potential of renewable diesel fuel as a low-carbon alternative to conventional diesel.” The trial is expected to run for six months and will involve a range of different vehicles and equipment. BHP says that it will use the trial to assess the performance of the renewable diesel fuel and its potential to reduce emissions.
The company will also be monitoring the economic viability of the fuel, as well as its potential to improve the efficiency of its operations. The trial is part of a broader effort by BHP to reduce the emissions intensity of its operations. The company has already committed to a range of initiatives, including the use of renewable energy, the introduction of electric vehicles, and improved energy efficiency.
BHP has also committed to investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which has the potential to reduce emissions from its operations by up to 90%. The company is also working with other organisations to develop a range of low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage.
BHP’s commitment to reducing its emissions intensity is part of its broader commitment to tackling climate change. The company has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and is aiming to reduce its emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. The trial of renewable diesel fuel at Yandi is an important step towards achieving these goals. The company hopes that the trial will help it to understand the potential of renewable diesel fuel as a low-carbon alternative to conventional diesel, and will help it to achieve its emissions reduction targets.
