Battery evaluation test work

⁠⁠⁠Rio Tinto requires a supplier or a suite of suppliers to assist with the evaluation and testing of a range of Li-ion and alternative battery systems. The intention is to understand and educate the Rio Tinto team on battery performance (for different battery chemistries) and thermal and battery management system requirements for application under the unique Rio Tinto-specific operating and climatic conditions in the Pilbara, Western Australia, where many of our iron ore operations are located. The goal is for Rio Tinto to become 'smart customers' in the space of understanding battery performance and specifications that best suit our operating environment. An evaluation of the battery system performance will assist in our decarbonisation initiatives and provide an understanding of the potential for Li-ion (or alternative) battery use in the electrification of our locomotives, trucks and mobile equipment.

We envisage that testing would include understanding properties and performance of different batteries based on Rio Tinto operating conditions. An initial list of evaluation parameters of interest is provided in the attachment; examples of properties of interest include charging performance, duty cycle testing, operability impact testing, energy storage, temperature performance, chemistry performance, safety evaluation (e.g., temperature and conditions for thermal runaway), likely regenerative energy performance of motor/battery interfaces and an understanding of manufacture and recyclability/refurbishment/options for second life. We are also interested in the supplier(s) sharing previous testing results, understanding and experience for different battery chemistries and/or other areas of battery performance that they have been involved in. We value insight into the performance of alternative battery types (such as flow cell, solid-state etc.) and new battery technology that may not be available currently, but is likely to be ready within the next few years.

We anticipate the requirement for a staged test program, staged in scale and location:

- Stage 1: off-site testing of Li-ion batteries at the module scale (kWh)

- Stage 2: off-site testing at the string/pack scale (MWh) with integrated thermal and battery management systems

- Stage 3: pack scale testing with integrated thermal and battery management systems in the Pilbara environment.

This EOI focuses on Stage 1 of the test program. It is possible for suppliers to express interest in Stage 1 only (in whole or in part) and suppliers are not required to have the capability to undertake all three stages.

The detailed scope of work and testing plan for Stage 1 will be determined iteratively with the chosen supplier(s).

Further Notification:

This scope of work is a summary description of goods and/or services that may be required by Rio Tinto and may be subject to change in Rio Tinto’s absolute discretion.

Your business capability statement, as stored on your portal profile, may be downloaded and referenced when the responses to the expression of interest are reviewed. It is recommended that Suppliers review the portal business details section to ensure all information, including contact email address, annual turnover and employee numbers, is current and accurate.

As this is an Expression of Interest (EOI) only, the specifics of the package of work relating to breadth of scope, location and timing may be subject to change. If successful, the Supplier/s will be notified of any changes prior to award.