Finning Power Rental (FPR) has introduced the first battery energy storage system (BESS) to its fleet, alongside an upgrade to new Cat diesel generator sets.
The Cat XES120 battery energy storage system is Finning鈥檚 first BESS offering for the rental market. With a 72 kW output and 127.9 kWh of stored energy, it can be deployed as a stand-alone power source or paired with a diesel generator to create a hybrid solution that reduces fuel consumption, noise and maintenance needs.
The system is also equipped with remote monitoring and control, allowing FPR engineers to adjust runtime schedules, voltage parameters and manage alarms remotely.
Cheryl Griffith, technical operations manager at Finning Power Rental, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to introduce battery energy storage systems to the Finning Power Rental fleet, as well as Cat EU Stage V diesel generators. It expands our capability to deliver hybrid power solutions that help our customers reduce emissions and fuel costs.鈥�
FPR has also added four new Cat Stage V diesel generator sets to its hire fleet, with capacities ranging from 20 kVA to 550 kVA. This includes the XQP20, XQP200, XQP310 and XQP550, powered by Cat engines including the C2.2, C7.1, C9.3 and C18.
Alongside the equipment investment, FPR is also expanding its technical capability to keep up with the technology. Apprentices and engineers across the business are undergoing specialist training in battery system safety and hybrid power operation, supported by new tooling and certification requirements.
Griffith added: 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just investing in new equipment, we鈥檙e investing in our people. These technologies require new skills, and we鈥檙e making sure our teams are ready to support customers now and for years to come.鈥�
The fleet investment also coincides with the recent appointment of Mark Albiston as director of electric power and engineering, with responsibility for Finning Power Rental.
Albiston was previously chief executive of hire firm Garic, which he repositioned from a focus in site huts to a range of static plant including battery energy storage and lighting towers. His successor at Garic was Asif Latief, former A-Plant marketing director and Boels UK managing director
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