Synopsis: Fortescue, the international leader in green energy, opens a cutting-edge technical innovation center in Kidlington, UK. This $23 million facility, housing 300 skilled workers with more jobs to come, will focus on developing zero-emission batteries and powertrains for various applications, including motorsports and mining. Notably, it will exclusively produce batteries for the first generation of Extreme H, a groundbreaking motorsports series starting in 2025.Article: In a significant move that elevates green energy, Fortescue has inaugurated a state-of-the-art technical innovation center in Kidlington, United Kingdom. This $23 million facility is poised to become a powerhouse for jobs, manufacturing, and advancements in sustainable technology.The Kidlington site is set to accommodate 300 highly skilled workers, with plans to create an additional 50 jobs within the next year. Its core focus lies in technical development, testing, and prototype production of batteries and zero-emission powertrains, tailored for a wide array of applications, ranging from motorsports to mining haul trucks and various other off-road and automotive uses.Fortescue has also disclosed that this facility will be the exclusive producer of batteries for the debut season of Extreme H, a revolutionary motorsports series scheduled to commence in February 2025. This development strengthens Fortescue's position as a battery provider for the Extreme E Series, with the Extreme H car sharing a similar powertrain while enhancing safety with hydrogen and a smaller battery combination as the primary energy storage solution.Among the initial battery production targets for the Kidlington site are the batteries designed to power Fortescue's prototype 240-tonne mining haul trucks in Australia. These batteries are a pivotal component of Fortescue's $6.2 billion decarbonization initiative, aiming to replace its diesel-fueled fleet with battery electric and green hydrogen-powered haul trucks.Dr. Andrew Forrest, Fortescue's Executive Chairman and Founder, emphasized the transformative potential of the Kidlington center, stating, "This new technical innovation center in Kidlington will not only drive the leading edge of decarbonized motorsports but also lead the way to decarbonizing heavy industry as well. Fortescue aims not only to transition our operations to zero emissions but to assist other businesses in embracing green technologies, establishing the UK as a leader in green tech and manufacturing."Judith Judson, Fortescue WAE CEO, underlined the significance of this milestone: "Today marks the latest milestone in the evolution of Fortescue WAE into a global zero-emission technology solutions and manufacturing company. We aim to demonstrate that transitioning to zero-emission solutions and moving away from fossil fuels is not only feasible but also profitable."The Kidlington site, co-located on the Oxford Technology Park, possesses the capacity to produce and test up to 500 prototype battery systems annually, with a total production capacity of 50 MWh per year. This expansion enhances Fortescue's electrification capabilities, aligning with its vision for green technology and zero emissions.Conclusion: Fortescue's establishment of a cutting-edge technical innovation center in Kidlington marks a significant stride in advancing green energy technology. This center not only enhances job opportunities and manufacturing but also pioneers the development of zero-emission batteries and powertrains, making a notable impact on motorsports and other industries. Fortescue's commitment to green innovation and sustainability underscores the growing importance of transitioning to cleaner, more environmentally responsible technologies.
Synopsis: Fortescue, the international leader in green energy, opens a cutting-edge technical innovation center in Kidlington, UK. This $23 million facility, housing 300 skilled workers with more jobs to come, will focus on developing zero-emission batteries and powertrains for various applications, including motorsports and mining. Notably, it will exclusively produce batteries for the first generation of Extreme H, a groundbreaking motorsports series starting in 2025.Article: In a significant move that elevates green energy, Fortescue has inaugurated a state-of-the-art technical innovation center in Kidlington, United Kingdom. This $23 million facility is poised to become a powerhouse for jobs, manufacturing, and advancements in sustainable technology.The Kidlington site is set to accommodate 300 highly skilled workers, with plans to create an additional 50 jobs within the next year. Its core focus lies in technical development, testing, and prototype production of batteries and zero-emission powertrains, tailored for a wide array of applications, ranging from motorsports to mining haul trucks and various other off-road and automotive uses.Fortescue has also disclosed that this facility will be the exclusive producer of batteries for the debut season of Extreme H, a revolutionary motorsports series scheduled to commence in February 2025. This development strengthens Fortescue's position as a battery provider for the Extreme E Series, with the Extreme H car sharing a similar powertrain while enhancing safety with hydrogen and a smaller battery combination as the primary energy storage solution.Among the initial battery production targets for the Kidlington site are the batteries designed to power Fortescue's prototype 240-tonne mining haul trucks in Australia. These batteries are a pivotal component of Fortescue's $6.2 billion decarbonization initiative, aiming to replace its diesel-fueled fleet with battery electric and green hydrogen-powered haul trucks.Dr. Andrew Forrest, Fortescue's Executive Chairman and Founder, emphasized the transformative potential of the Kidlington center, stating, "This new technical innovation center in Kidlington will not only drive the leading edge of decarbonized motorsports but also lead the way to decarbonizing heavy industry as well. Fortescue aims not only to transition our operations to zero emissions but to assist other businesses in embracing green technologies, establishing the UK as a leader in green tech and manufacturing."Judith Judson, Fortescue WAE CEO, underlined the significance of this milestone: "Today marks the latest milestone in the evolution of Fortescue WAE into a global zero-emission technology solutions and manufacturing company. We aim to demonstrate that transitioning to zero-emission solutions and moving away from fossil fuels is not only feasible but also profitable."The Kidlington site, co-located on the Oxford Technology Park, possesses the capacity to produce and test up to 500 prototype battery systems annually, with a total production capacity of 50 MWh per year. This expansion enhances Fortescue's electrification capabilities, aligning with its vision for green technology and zero emissions.Conclusion: Fortescue's establishment of a cutting-edge technical innovation center in Kidlington marks a significant stride in advancing green energy technology. This center not only enhances job opportunities and manufacturing but also pioneers the development of zero-emission batteries and powertrains, making a notable impact on motorsports and other industries. Fortescue's commitment to green innovation and sustainability underscores the growing importance of transitioning to cleaner, more environmentally responsible technologies.