Base Power is claimed to be an all-in-one system designed to supply reliable power to remote customers of Powerco, as a supplement or alternative to the electricity supply from the grid, where network upgradation and improving supply are not economically viable options.
Powerco claims to have trailed the SimpliPhi’s units for several years and has approved the installation of 20 new units over the next 12 months. The construction work is being taken care of by The Downs Group.
The Base Power units will generate electricity from solar panels and excess energy production is stored in SimpliPhi’s PHI 3.4 batteries. The unit has an integrated diesel generator which can help in generating uninterrupted power, in case of prolonged weather preventing solar generation.
The units are designed to be transported by helicopter to locations that are difficult to gain access to, making them ideal for both remote and emergency situations in which access to power would be too costly or logistically unfeasible.
SimpliPhi CEO Catherine Von Burg said: “Powerco deserves praise for their disciplined approach to developing an economic model that demonstrated unequivocally the cost effectiveness and reliability of distributed power assets at the fringes of the grid. The utility calculated that off-grid distributed and renewable assets combined with storage is more cost effective than extending the reach of the grid by two kilometers, or having to repair the transmission lines of approximately 20 poles.
“Add to that calculus the environmental benefits of replacing centralized fossil fuel generation and suddenly the cost benefit analysis overwhelmingly supports the Base Power off-grid units – creating a win-win with better energy security for both the utility and their customers.”
Image: Powerco uses SimpliPhi’s batteries for off-grid deployment. Photo: Courtesy of SimpliPhi Power.
