|8 April 2016|
Australia
Crucial funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has brought moveable solar power a step closer.
Engineering giants Laing O’Rourke are the company behind the redeployable solar-diesel power plant, which has been successfully piloted and will now be commercialised through the newly formed SunSHIFT Pty Ltd.
This innovative approach to off-grid power has the potential to revolutionise the energy landscape in remote and rural areas.
“ARENA initially provided funding for a feasibility study and then a pilot project, and Laing O’Rourke has now established clean energy company SunSHIFT to commercialise its moveable solar-diesel hybrid power plant,” Mr Frischknecht said.
“Scalability, quick set up and easy pack down presents an ideal solution for many off-grid applications where temporary power is required such as construction projects, mine sites and disaster relief. It also allows solar panels to be re-used several times for greater value.
“The system performed as expected during the six month trial period and pack-up was impressively carried out by four people in just four days.
“This successful demonstration project has given Laing O’Rourke the confidence to commit to further developing its technology and is a crucial step in proving the technical and commercial viability of moveable, modular renewable energy concepts more broadly.”
And there has been a positive response to the innovation.
Laing O’Rourke Clean Tech Leader, Dr Will Rayward-Smith added: “The market has reacted very positively. We are fielding enquiries for multi-megawatt SunSHIFT systems from domestic mining sites and remote communities, and overseas from emerging economies. It is exciting to be providing solar in a format that meets the needs of the off-grid market. We are giving solar a residual value profile, avoiding stranded asset risk and decoupling asset life from end-user life.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZOR1trhJD8
