Hybrid generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar-powered site facilities are part of United Rentals’ investment in new equipment as it expands its New Zealand operation.
“These products not only support projects to meet and exceed sustainability targets, they also enable companies to make significant savings and gain that all-important competitive advantage,” says United Rentals New Zealand district manager Graham Allison.
The company supplies mobile storage and container-based worksite facilities to industries including infrastructure, building and construction, the primary sector, events and retail. The expansion coincides with completion of the nationwide rebrand of 11 locations following its acquisition of shipping container company Royal Wolf in 2021.
Allison says demand for energy-efficient equipment is growing among local businesses. The range includes portable solar skids to power container offices and portable buildings, alongside the solar-powered Site Hub, which the company describes as fully self-sufficient.
The company says its BESS units reduce fuel and electricity consumption, helping contractors manage operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
On typical worksite jobs, a solar-powered Site Hub can reduce emissions by more than 95% and save up to $25,000 over a year compared with traditional diesel-generator setups, Allison says. He says the units also help customers meet net zero commitments through emissions reductions and offsets.
United Rentals says BESS units and Site Hubs are being used around the country as construction activity improves, infrastructure work such as Auckland’s $700 million Eastern Busway continues and solar farm development expands.
At Ruakaka, south of Whangarei, Hiringa Energy used a solar-powered Site Hub as a base for workers during construction of a solar-to-hydrogen farm.
“Like many of our customers, Hiringa Energy is committed to meeting decarbonisation and net zero targets so using a Site Hub helps them, their customers, and also fits with their renewable energy ethos,” Allison says.
United Rentals says its investment will support current customer demand and national infrastructure projects, alongside diversification into energy markets including geothermal, hydropower and solar.
Remote temperature monitoring for refrigerated containers is another development, giving customers greater flexibility and oversight of their products, Allison says.
“It’s this sort of ongoing innovation that reinforces United Rentals’ commitment to supporting the local industries it supplies and helping customers to drive productivity and profitability,” he says.