ABB contract woth Queensland Australia

ABB has secured a $150 million contract to supply complete traction systems for 65 new six-car passenger trains as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) in Australia. Awarded by Hyundai Rotem Company in February 2024, the contract includes the provision of traction inverters, motors, and transformers for all 65 trains. Hyundai Rotem Company is collaborating with Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd, Australia's foremost provider of life cycle management for passenger trains. As part of this initiative, ABB will establish a Traction Center of Excellence in Queensland's Fraser Coast region, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and supporting the production of these advanced systems.

Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd, commissioned by the Queensland Government, is set to manufacture 65 new electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets. Each carriage in these trains features its own electric drive system, ensuring high efficiency and reliability. The new fleet is expected to be fully operational by 2032, just in time for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. These trains will serve the Southeast Queensland rail network, including the new Cross River Rail line in Brisbane. The QTMP aims to bolster Queensland's economic and population growth by investing in new manufacturing facilities, generating over 1,300 jobs in construction, manufacturing, and operations throughout the program's duration.

Edgar Keller, head of ABB's Traction Division, expressed the company's enthusiasm about participating in the QTMP, highlighting the transformative impact of ABB's technology on Australia's rail infrastructure. Keller emphasized ABB's commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient rail networks and supporting local markets and employment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The new Traction Center of Excellence will not only foster local industry expertise in traction systems but also enhance service provision to ABB's customers in the region.

ABB's traction inverters feature patented multi-level topology, leveraging advancements in semiconductor technology to create the most efficient powertrain available. This results in lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, decreased noise levels, and less mechanical strain. Establishing the local Traction Center of Excellence in Maryborough, Queensland, will facilitate the transfer of production for traction inverters and motors to Australia, creating job opportunities and strengthening local knowledge in complex train subsystems. This initiative aligns with ABB's broader mission of enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future through innovative electrification and automation technologies.