Power generation - Market Report ‘‘
Solar PV is being pushed hard in certain quarters as
the answer to construction’s prayers and that is really not the case
’’ Offgrid Energy makes good use of battery, hybrid and solar technologies.
technologies,” said Rea. “However, it is impossible to predict a timeframe when, and if, sustainable energy will completely replace the diesel generator.”
“Diesel generators have a proven track record; they are dependable, reliable, mobile, and easy to use. The drawbacks are noise and emissions, and as manufacturers it is our remit to minimise both. There is some great technology out there such as solar power generation and battery storage packs. However, the same question will still be asked: How reliable is the power source? That is why hybrid generators are at the forefront of sustainable energy production right now, as it is still based on a proven and reliable diesel generator as backup until full confidence is gained in new technology.”
Alternative energy
One of those alternatives is Offgrid Energy, which has been providing power to remote locations for over a decade, based on combining batteries and solar panels. These systems work in tandem with diesel generators, to reduce their workload.
Danny Jones, Director at Offgrid Energy, said: “Instead of the generator running 24/7 it might only need to run for part of the week. This means significant improvements in fuel consumption which has a direct impact on carbon emissions and costs.”
Jones believes that this hybrid approach is the way forward. “Solar PV is being pushed hard in certain quarters as the answer to construction’s prayers and that is really not the case. It has a role to play but is not the be all and end all.”
Offgrid initially experienced some resistance from the hire sector. “What we were proposing was a technology which would disrupt their long-established
business model. Using our technology means you can manage with a smaller
Shindaiwa's eco300 diesel welder generator. The company will be launching a hybrid machine in the near future.
generator. So, there was push back as renting out smaller generators and selling less fuel didn’t seem like an attractive proposition to hirers.”
However, the convergence of issues such as sustainability targets, air quality, and rising diesel prices has enabled them to break into the hire market. The company has recently received a substantial order from one of the leading national hire chains.
Cross hire
While Offgrid’s technology delivers a return on investment, the systems do come at a significantly higher price. The company created its own rental fleet to enable hirers to try before they buy. “This facilitated us working with some of the smaller rental companies who were looking for a differentiator,” said Jones. “Cross hire enables those companies without the resources to invest to still put our technology into the market.
“We are able now to take a very sophisticated, cost-effective proposition to the construction industry, which itself is being driven towards a stronger sustainability agenda by Government. Improving air quality has become a significant and separate matter to reducing carbon emissions. The forthcoming changes to red diesel will also drive demand.
“Over the last five years or so, the sustainability agenda has really come to the fore in construction. They understand that if they do not get involved with alternative technologies, they will be on a sticky wicket. We are on hand to help make the transition as easy as possible.” n
September 2021 - Executive Hire News 39
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