Electric shunter to operate at limestone quarry in Somerset
Heidelberg Materials’ new Class 08e shunter is reported to be the first of its kind at a UK quarry.
'Battery Bill', Heidelberg Materials' converted electric shunting locomotive at Whatley quarry in Somerset
© Heidelberg MaterialsThe electric locomotive has been converted from a withdrawn diesel-powered shunter and goes into operation at Whatley quarry in Frome, Somerset.
Converted by re-engineering company Positive Traction, the locomotive is powered by six of Positive Traction’s Powerpod battery packs and is said to provide 600kWh of total energy and deliver up to a 50% increase in tractive effort.
Heidelberg Materials says Battery Bill is part of its commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions in its delivery transport by 15% by 2030, from its 2019 baseline.
The company operates a dedicated rail connection to supply construction projects with limestone aggregates from Whatley quarry.
The name Battery Bill is the winning entry from a competition among local primary schools.
