Aggreko survey highlights role of hybrid power

New research from power rental company Aggreko has found that 69% of respondents envisage hybrid power will be the primary source of energy provision in 10 years’ time, offering a “bridge between fuel sources” during the energy transition.

Granny Smith Gold Mine - Western Australia.

Aggreko surveyed 859 participants across its sectors and around the world between 14 and 31 October 2021 for the survey. 

The company said hybrid technology “presents a clear bridging solution for the energy transition.”

This is demonstrated in examples such as the Granny Smith Gold Mine in Australia, where Aggreko provided the world’s largest off-grid mining hybrid system in the form of a battery, thermal and solar power solution.

The Granny Smith project reduced the energy-intensive mine’s fuel consumption by 10-13%.

The survey found that 83% of respondents believe fossil fuels will still have a role to play in the energy mix for the next 10 years, working alongside renewable solutions, such as biofuels, wind and solar.

The research also found that three out of five (65%) respondents view the energy transition as an opportunity for business.

However 70% of respondents cited cost, 54% cited outdated infrastructure and 55% cited lack of clarity on government commitments and incentives as barriers stunting the adoption of new, cleaner energy sources.

Carsten Reincke-Collon, Director of Future Technologies at Aggreko, said, “This survey has proven that across the world, people believe that more needs to be done to drive forward necessary change, but there is no single solution that can instantly achieve net-zero.

“At Aggreko, we are working alongside our customers across the world to help them navigate the increasingly complex energy environment.

“Our commitment to accelerate change is reflected in our investment in new technology and innovations, helping our customers to continue to operate at maximum efficiency from new greener sources, bridging that gap to fast-track their own energy transition.”

Aggreko has committed to reducing its environmental impact, setting goals to reduce local emissions and diesel usage by 50% by 2030, and to become net-zero across all operations by 2050.

In early 2021 it upgraded its headquarters in Scotland to net zero specifications.