Fortescue Zero, the technology division of Fortescue, has announced plans to commence operations at its 38,000-square-meter Advanced Manufacturing Centre located in Michigan, USA. The facility will initially focus on producing marine battery packs, utilizing Fortescue’s proprietary scalable battery module (SBM) technology, which has been developed to meet the needs of various sectors with flexibility and efficiency.
According to Samuel Dew, Senior Battery Integration Engineer at Fortescue, the SBM is a versatile solution designed to support the production of standardized and customized battery packs for a wide range of applications. Dew highlighted the adaptability of the SBM, noting that it is suitable for industries such as automotive, marine, and static energy storage. He explained that the company’s innovative battery module approach provides the foundation for creating multiple battery configurations, all stemming from a single, scalable design.
“We’ve engineered the scalable battery module to serve numerous applications across sectors ranging from automotive to marine to static storage systems,” Dew said. “By incorporating our patent-pending Sense Chain technology, we’re able to construct a variety of battery packs using a modular, building-block approach. This design, similar to assembling Lego bricks, enables rapid electrification and drives us closer to a decarbonized future.”
Fortescue’s first product to emerge from this technology will be a marine battery pack designed for Evoa, a marine company that plans to implement the battery in a variety of vessels, including wake boats and tenders. The battery pack is designed to deliver between 30 kWh and 34 kWh, providing sufficient energy for Evoa’s electric powertrain, which boasts a power output of up to 1,000 horsepower. This lightweight battery system can be recharged in less than 30 minutes, enhancing its usability for short turnarounds and high-demand applications.
One of the standout features of the SBM technology is its modular configuration, which allows the battery system to be assembled as a multi-pack power unit. Up to six subpacks can be combined, offering users the flexibility to tailor power output for both smaller and larger vessels. This adaptability makes the technology a viable option for various marine applications, from recreational boats to commercial shipping.
Fortescue Zero expects production of the marine battery packs to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 at the Michigan facility. As the production ramps up, the company envisions significant advancements in manufacturing capacity by 2030, positioning the Advanced Manufacturing Centre as a central hub for Fortescue’s broader energy solutions, including electric vehicle (EV) batteries, rapid chargers, and electrolysers.
Mark Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of Fortescue Energy, expressed confidence in the potential of the Detroit-based facility to serve a wide range of customers with diverse energy needs. He emphasized that the plant’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities will play a crucial role in delivering energy storage solutions for both commercial and industrial applications.
“The marine battery packs we’re producing for Evoa are just the beginning,” Hutchinson said. “Our scalable battery module technology is incredibly flexible, and we believe it can meet the needs of numerous markets and products. We’ve pushed our engineering expertise to the limits, from racetracks to mining operations, and now we’re ready to bring that experience to our customers, offering them efficient, risk-minimizing solutions for their battery systems.”
Hutchinson added that Fortescue’s approach aims to reduce investment risks for its clients by providing modular battery solutions that are scalable and adaptable to specific needs. This approach, he believes, will facilitate faster adoption of electric power systems across various industries, contributing to a global shift toward cleaner energy sources.
The Detroit facility is expected to operate at full capacity by 2030, serving as a major center for the development and production of Fortescue’s advanced battery technologies. As the company expands its energy solutions portfolio, the Michigan plant will continue to be a focal point for innovation in battery technology, supporting Fortescue’s commitment to sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions.
