Portable power that’s cleaner and greener: The shift away from small generators

Since becoming a common feature on construction sites some 60 years ago, generators have been powering everything from angle grinders to water pumps to lighting towers.

Rugged power packs make a strong case for powering tools on site

Now, in the face of increasing emissions regulations, cost pressures and a growing understanding of the need to decarbonise, construction businesses are seeking sustainable power sources for equipment traditionally running on fossil fuels.

In fact, large-scale power solutions such as hybrid generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) have already made significant advances, but at the smaller end of the power spectrum – which has yet to feel the same legislative pressure – things have not moved at the same pace.

What could make an immediate impact for construction businesses is technology that benefits both their sustainability goals and their bottom lines.

Portable lithium-ion battery systems have started to emerge as a no-nonsense alternative power source for small, high-demand power tools.

Built to replace fossil-fuel-powered generators, these systems must be compact, robust and fit-for-purpose for construction environments.

Matt O’Hara, UK & Ireland sales director for the clean energy technology firm, Instagrid, says, “What’s important about new technology is that it doesn’t call for huge adjustments in working practices for the end user. It offers obvious benefits, not just in terms of reduced carbon emissions, but also in terms of ease of use, productivity and the bottom line.”