A five-year-old Somerset child has named the UK’s first electric quarry locomotive.
Cillian Gallagher from Bishop Henderson Primary School in Radstock won a naming competition run by Heidelberg Materials for its new Class 08e electric shunting locomotive at Whatley Quarry, near Frome.
The locomotive, now known as Battery Bill, is the first of its kind to be used at any UK quarry and supports the company’s environmental goals.
The competition was part of the company’s outreach with nearby primary schools.
A naming ceremony was held at the quarry.
Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, said: "I was delighted to attend the unveiling of Battery Bill at Whatley quarry, brilliantly named by five-year-old Radstock resident, Cillian.
"The electric locomotive is a fantastic example of innovation happening in the industry, helping move away from diesel towards cleaner, more environmentally friendly ways of working, with the added benefit of reducing noise pollution for local communities."
The Class 08e locomotive was converted from diesel by Positive Traction and runs on six Powerpod battery packs.
It produces zero emissions and operates more quietly than traditional shunters, reducing noise impact in the surrounding area.
Daniel Welch, rail logistics manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: "As a long-standing part of the local area, we’re committed to being a responsible operator and minimising impact on our near neighbours.
"Commissioning the first electric shunter to operate at a UK quarry is a significant milestone and reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable operations."
Whatley Quarry has been in operation since the 1930s and supplies limestone aggregate to local markets and rail depots in London and the South East.
Share