BESS Delivers Key Environmental Benefits for Tunnel Project

MORE THAN EVER, AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY IS SEEKING CLEANER, GREENER SOLUTIONS AS THE NATION TRANSITIONS TO NET ZERO 2050. KENNARDS HIRE IS ACUTELY AWARE OF THE MULTI-SECTOR CHALLENGES THIS PRESENTS AND OFFERS BESPOKE SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS GET DELIVERED ON TIME, ON BUDGET AND WITH LOWER IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

Switching to a new generation of quieter, more energy efficient modular power systems can enable significant reductions in emissions, fuel consumption and noise on major construction projects.

A prime example of leading lowemission technology in action is the 45kva Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) used on the complex WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnels project in Sydney.

Issues with traditional power supply

The Acciona Samsung Bouygues Joint Venture (ASBJV) was relying on a diesel generator to provide onsite electricity for the tunnel project, around the clock.

This traditional power supply was proving noisy, expensive and high in CO2 emissions. It was also causing generator engine damage from the light loading.

ASBJV asked Kennards Hire for an alternative power solution which could offer all-round benefits and the lowest ecological footprint.

The BESS was the obvious choice. When coupled with a 100kva diesel generator providing cycle charging and load support, it helped maintain operations when power requirements were low by running solely on the battery.

The hybrid solution offered reductions in overall fuel use, noise and carbon emissions, also satisfied stakeholder expectations for energy options with lower emissions.

Key savings on cost, emissions and noise

BESS users can expect significant savings in both fuel usage and carbon emissions, which is why it’s proving such a popular onsite energy alternative.

ASBJV observed several benefits from the BESS on the WestConnex project:

• 50-70% reduction in diesel consumption

• significantly reduced CO2 emissions, averaging 800-1000kg per week

• reduced generator operating hours, with the BESS running twice a day for up to three hours per cycle, rather than 24 hours per day

• noticeable reduction in noise levels.

ASBJV Project Manager Clement Kaiffer emphasised the importance of finding low-emissions solutions, with stakeholders looking to a net zero future.

“I believe these solutions are the future of the construction industry and they should be communicated to all the main players."

Kennards Hire Operations Product Specialist, Paul Nicholson, worked closely onsite with members of the

ASBJV team to gather data, adapt the BESS to the unique site conditions, and discuss options to meet the project’s changing needs.

“Load calculations had to be completed for a number of options due to the site changing and being bought back to a smaller footprint," he said.

“The unit worked on site seamlessly, and we are speaking to the customer about similar opportunities for their next project,” he added.

The ability to provide cleaner, more sustainable equipment hire solutions to reduce the impact on the environment is a challenge across many industries. Kennards Hire continues to invest in viable equipment solutions to help their customers achieve their environmental goals.