We partner with developers and constructors at every stage of large-scale solar and battery developments from project initiation and feasibility studies through to commissioning and connections. Often this process begins with site selection as our knowledge of electricity networks enables us to identify suitable locations to be assessed by technical, economic and environmental studies.
As part of a full suite of services, we also advise on critical path decisions that make a difference to the timely and cost-effective delivery of the project and its operation.
We help select the right technology and ownership model, source product manufacturers and support procurement strategies. We produce engineering, civil and on-site electrical designs and plans and have experience in project managing their construction and commissioning. This includes being accredited to design and manage network connections and upgrades. The necessary documentation for Embedded Generator Connection Applications is also prepared by our team who draw on relationships with network service providers to navigate the approval process on our clients’ behalf.
Reducing energy costs is one of the key motivators for businesses to consider renewable energy technologies. Typically, this includes installing rooftop solar systems and batteries to offset power bills and trade excess energy. Increasingly, this initiative is also important for emissions reduction strategies in line with environmental commitments.
We work with clients to assess the business case for these new technologies and to design, plan and manage their roll-out in a way that meets financial objectives.
This may include advising on solutions that can scale-up as economics change, managing upgrades to essential infrastructure, or considering the unique needs of operations that have equipment highly sensitive to energy reliability. It may also include complex designs to incorporate either electric vehicle charging for light or heavy vehicle fleets or process electrification.
In the race to expand charging networks for electric vehicles, our team has been a lead adviser in their development. Working with all forms of charge-points - large-scale and small, public and private - our team brings an agnostic approach to ensure the infrastructure works as intended. This is significant in a market where technology is changing rapidly and demand from both light and heavy vehicles is escalating.
We are highly experienced in modelling electrical supply requirements, undertaking feasibility assessments and options analysis, designing charging infrastructure and providing engineering and project management for construction and commissioning.
A key factor in all these steps is our understanding of electricity networks, their constraints and planning regulations. It enables us to advise on the best solution for connections including cost effective network upgrades when needed. Our accreditation to design and manage network connections and relationships with network service providers is a critical advantage to project timelines.
The business cases for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) vary with their size and use but these technologies are undoubtedly becoming more popular as the transition to renewable energy continues. Our team has supported a variety of clients on installations that either connect directly to distribution networks (such as community batteries), or coordinate with solar systems to supply power to private developments (behind the meter).
In this emerging market, our team advises on each stage of the project process from feasibility to design, delivery and commissioning. And if clients are seeking government incentives to support battery developments, our pre-feasibility analysis contributes to building the case for grant applications.
Essential to these developments is our knowledge of network capacity and constraints. This is vital for selecting sites, designing and planning network connections, and a major influence on potential financial returns. It is also influential in planning the roll-out of a portfolio of batteries across local government or regional areas.
Microgrids are designed to provide reliable power for discrete locations within all conditions. These types of projects draw on the broad capability of the Sustainable Energy Consulting team and rely on our relationships with network service providers.
Our team brings together experience in designing, planning and developing all the components of a microgrid to offer clients a comprehensive service. This includes supporting project proponents to undertake pre-feasibility studies necessary for government grant applications.
Microgrids typically comprise renewable energy generation, battery storage and a local distribution network that can operate independently from the grid. They play an important role in building the energy resilience of regional and rural communities where power reliability can be affected by many factors including extreme weather events.
Powerplant has over 20 years’ experience in working with urban developers to manage electrical design for residential communities and buildings. As developers choose to incorporate new standards under Green Star building or EnviroDevelopment certifications, our Energy Consulting team is ensuring the electrical design achieves their objectives.
We work with network service providers to navigate the regulatory and electrical supply rules that govern these types of developments and design innovative solutions to ensure the promise for sustainable development is delivered.
Energy efficient homes, apartments and buildings typically feature high rates of rooftop solar penetration as well as the potential for energy sharing through neighbourhood batteries. It creates a complex model of considerations for network planning and infrastructure development.
Powerplant is a successful electrical engineering consultancy known for the reliability of our expert teams in solving client problems with intelligent solutions. Our Energy Consulting team brings this innovative thinking to finding new ways of improving energy efficiency, reliability and resilience. We offer clients:
For a detailed list of the services offered through our Energy Consulting team, please click here.
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