Electric Vehicles at WIPP Increase Worker Safety, Efficiency of Operations

CARLSBAD, N.M. – The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant’s (WIPP) commitment to its mission includes a move to low-emission and battery-electric vehicles in its underground repository.

It’s part of a plan to address worker-safety issues associated with diesel emissions, meet regulatory requirements, and increase efficiency of operations.

WIPP operates 80 vehicles in its underground fleet, with 37 of those identified as integral to operations. WIPP staff estimates it will take five years to replace or convert all 37.

The effort is twofold. WIPP has started to retrofit older diesel engines with diesels that have lower nitrogen dioxide emissions. The site is scheduled to replace the engines on five of its salt-haul vehicles through June.

WIPP is also evaluating battery-electric vehicles that can operate with zero emissions and fit in the tight confines of the underground. Equipment can range from small forklifts to larger haul vehicles. The site can handle the increased power demands but will need to create mined-out alcoves and install recharging stations.

The site has used one battery-electric vehicle, a load haul dump, in the mine for two years with a recharging station positioned in the northern portion of the repository. The load haul dump has shown its ability to operate in tight spaces, and it has more torque than similar diesel-powered machines.

WIPP staff recently visited a mine that uses battery powered mine equipment in Elko, Nevada. The staff members determined the equipment is suitable for use at WIPP, and the site has ordered three units, which are expected to be delivered within the next six to seven months. WIPP is attempting to accelerate the delivery date.

WIPP mining manager Dave Sjomeling said those machines have interchangeable work platforms. A dump bed is being designed to meet WIPP specifications, and units can also be configured for things such as a lift platform and fuel distributor.

“The units are ‘plug-and-play,’ meaning you drive the vehicle up to a receptacle and plug it in to charge. No changing of batteries is needed until the end-of-service life,” Sjomeling said.

The new equipment will be evaluated during its use in the WIPP underground, and if it meets expectations, the plan is to order up to six more vehicles.