Fortescue has inaugurated a cutting-edge technical innovation center in Kidlington, UK, accentuating its commitment to advancing zero-emission technologies. This US$23 million innovation center is poised to house 300 experts and is projected to generate up to 50 new job opportunities within the coming year.
Why It Matters
The UK’s green energy, manufacturing, and job sectors are set to gain a significant boost from this initiative. Fortescue’s move underlines the firm’s vow to produce over 1,000 jobs in Oxfordshire and ensures their commitment to retaining manufacturing and jobs within Britain.
Key Points
- The Kidlington Centre’s core focus will be on the development, testing, and prototype creation of batteries and zero-emission powertrains. These innovations will cater to various sectors, including motorsports, mining haul trucks, and diverse off-road and automotive applications.
- The facility will exclusively design and manufacture batteries for the first generation of Extreme H, a novel motorsports series launching in February 2025.
- Fortescue WAE, a subdivision of Fortescue, currently caters as the battery provider for the Extreme E Series. The upcoming Extreme H car will employ a comparable powertrain to Extreme E, but with a chassis tailored to meet the safety specifications linked with hydrogen utilization. A key distinction in Extreme H will be the integration of a hydrogen fuel cell paired with a compact battery, which will serve as the primary onboard energy storage mechanism, transitioning from a larger sole battery system.
- One of the early battery products from this Kidlington facility will be implemented to power Fortescue’s experimental 240-ton mining haul trucks in Australia.
Bottom Line
Dr. Andrew Forrest, Fortescue’s Executive Chairman and Founder, emphasized the significance of the Kidlington hub, stating it will be at the forefront of advancing decarbonized motorsports and steering the direction toward decarbonizing heavy industries. Furthermore, Judith Judson, Fortescue WAE’s CEO, stressed the importance of such green technology solutions, emphasizing the economic viability and urgency of transitioning to zero-emission methodologies. The Kidlington facility, strategically located at the Oxford Technology Park, is equipped to produce and examine up to 500 prototype battery systems annually, holding a total production capacity of 50 MWh annually. This establishment not only positions Fortescue as a leader in green tech advancements but also solidifies the UK’s place in the global green tech landscape.
