Overcoming the barriers to decentralised energy

Aggreko’s offering, which is  said to be a first in the rental market, comprises three main products: gas generators; combined heat and power (CHP) packages; and battery storage. All available to hire, the solutions enable companies to adjust power needs to suit current demand, delivering greater efficiency and cost savings.

The new service means Irish industry can immediately reap the benefits of decentralised energy, breaking down the barriers put in place by the significant capital investment required for a reliable source of energy. Avoiding high up-front costs, companies utilising the new service can start work on building a permanent off grid solution for the future.

Aggreko claims one of the key benefits of its decentralised energy solution is that it enables organisations to keep pace with the latest technology, therefore mitigating the risk against technical obsolescence. The hire solution is also reported to be able to save manufacturers up to 80 per cent of the lifecycle cost, as there is no need to pay for any running costs. 

With the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions becoming an increasingly urgent priority, the CHP service Aggreko is providing could particularly support this. CHP allows companies to make significant savings by harnessing the waste heat that is generated, resulting in reliable, cost-effective energy.

The new proposition follows Aggreko’s recent report, which found that cost, technical resource and impact on production were key barriers to implementing a decentralised energy solution. Based on a survey of 200 UK energy decision-makers across industry, many respondents remain reluctant to actively consider alternative methods of generating electricity.

Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko UK, said: “We truly understand the dilemma facing UK and Irish industry when it comes to decentralised energy. Our recent survey showed us, and the UK, that there is appetite to implement the technology but there are clear barriers in the way.

“Our unique service allows Irish industry to end their reliance on the grid, while providing an opportunity to save and prepare for a full decentralised energy model. One of the key benefits is that you keep up-to-date with the latest technology advancements, meaning your energy won’t be outdated. All of this can be implemented without the heavy installation costs and CAPEX restraints, as the rental includes operation, set-up and management of the service.”