Cummins Inc. and Komatsu Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of zero-emissions haulage equipment. Building on a legacy of diesel engine partnerships across a wide variety of mining and construction equipment, the manufacturers plan to focus initially on zero emissions power technologies including hydrogen fuel cell solutions for large mining haul truck applications.
“Komatsu’s deep expertise in mining and equipment design and integration paired with our advanced power technologies including hydrogen fuel cells will accelerate decarbonisation of mining equipment,” said Amy Davis, Vice President and President of New Power at Cummins. “The mining industry has great potential to lead in adopting renewable solutions.”
In August 2021, Komatsu announced its power agnostic truck concept for a haulage vehicle that can run on a variety of power sources, including diesel electric, trolley, battery power and hydrogen fuel cells. Working with Cummins will complement Komatsu’s development of the power agnostic truck.
Cummins has a broad portfolio of batteries, fuel cell systems and electrolysers (for generating hydrogen), that are key building blocks for decarbonisation. Together, the two companies have a long history in the global mining market and strong technical capabilities necessary to develop these new solutions.
“Cummins has been a long-term partner of Komatsu and has been investing in the key technologies required to support the energy transition in mining,” said Masayuki Moriyama, President of Komatsu’s Mining Business Division. “These are critical technologies for helping mining customers reduce carbon emissions and accelerate carbon neutrality. Building on our partnership with Cummins, we are working to accelerate sustainable solutions for our customers.”
As a company, Komatsu has targeted a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from use of its products and production of its equipment by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and a challenging target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The alliance’s initial target is advancing Komatsu’s power-agnostic truck concept, with a goal of commercial offering in 2030.
The collaboration with Komatsu is part of Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net zero emissions by 2050. This commitment requires changes to Cummins’ products and the energy sources that power them. Additionally, Komatsu intends to explore further possibilities in zero emissions mining haul truck development.
In June 2022, Komatsu said it plans to expand its autonomous technology onto haul trucks by 2024. Later in the month, it said it would acquire Swedish attachments manufacturer, Bracke Forest AB.
