Sending rockets into orbit is a power-hungry process.
It’s a reason why Summit Power was asked to provide temporary power generation for Britain’s emerging space industry in the north of Scotland.
The client had identified a need for a 500kVA generator. However, remote analysis of power use established an important fact.
Power shedding advantage
Peak power was needed for just one, very brief, moment – during the launch process. It was why Summit Power could propose a more efficient solution.
The original generator requested was replaced with four 100kVA generators, configured in a load-on-demand application where the sets would cycle periodically and, when needed, be brought online together.
Power shedding in this way, when reduced loads were present, resulted in big wins for the client, for Summit Power and for the environment, especially in such a remote location.
Maintenance periods were extended, fuel expenditure was greatly reduced and the lifecycle of the equipment was increased.
Hybrid power systems
The solution defines Summit Power’s approach, says its managing director, Ross McConachie.
“Our aim is to deliver the most efficient method of producing power by designing site applications aligned with emerging best practice,” he explains.
“That includes using hybrid systems to make temporary or off-grid power more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable.
“We only launched the business in February 2024. But we’ve quickly transitioned from a start-up to a specialist relied on by large businesses to provide a comprehensive temporary power service.”
Summit Power is a sister company to Summit Platforms, already a very successful access hire specialist that has grown rapidly to become an industry leader by being relentlessly customer-focussed.
Summit Power has adopted the same customer-centric and agile culture. Through its leadership team, it also has deep roots in the temporary power sector.
“Our aim is to deliver the most efficient method of producing power by designing site applications aligned with emerging best practice”
– Ross McConachie
Best-in-class knowledge
Ross McConachie is a highly experienced industry leader who was, most recently, the temporary power project director for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“We’re not a big team, yet,” he says. “But we have, between us, approaching 100 years’ experience in the sector.
“We’re determined to leverage our best-in-class knowledge to provide customers with best-in-class service. We want to do that by working in partnership, both with our supply chain and our customers.”
Summit Power operates a fleet of exclusively Stage V generators with capacities from 20kVA to 500kVA, battery energy storage units from 30kVA to 250kVA, and load banks that range from 100KW to 1MW.
Energy capacity transition
The company is working with leading equipment suppliers, including Himoinsa, BGG UK, Power Saving Solutions, Atlas Copco, and Dumarey Flybrid.
Ross McConachie says: “Central to our approach will be to develop solutions that help our customers manage the energy capacity transition as we work towards NetZero 2050 through hybrid solutions, by combining smaller generators and advanced battery systems.”
Summit Power has already developed good customer relationships across multiple sectors – including aerospace, defence, construction, electrical contracting, and events.
Summit Power – early business highlights
- Supporting naval ship maintenance in Portsmouth dockyards;
- Emergency out-of-hours mobilisation to support the FM industry with power outages at a London hospital;
- Reducing generator fuel costs by up to 70% on multiple construction sites across the country.
- Equipment being delivered to prestigious sporting events, such as the British F1, and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Using new battery technology to drive down costs and drive up sustainability are at the heart of Summit Power’s offer.
For example, it is partnering with a global event company to review an event powered solely on diesel generation in 2023.
The initiative has allowed the introduction of 20% on-site battery power this year with a plan to achieve a 50% reduction in generator power by 2025.
Depot network growth
With an operational hub near Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire, the company has proved that, supported by remote monitoring technology, it can deliver high quality service anywhere in the country.
But it still has firm plans to expand its depot network.
It is also determined to growing the next generation of temporary power engineers.
Ross McConaghie says: “A skills shortage is one of our industry’s biggest risks. It’s why we’re launching an apprenticeship programme this September that will grow with our business.
“Being open to change is vital to this industry. Summit Power is committed to investing in our people, new equipment and new technology.”
Vital role to play
Collaborating with other like-minded businesses to develop a robust, future-proof and innovative supply chain is also a priority.
“For example, we must continue to push the boundaries of battery technology,” says Ross McConaghie.
“We want to work closely with suppliers and customers on the product engineering evolution of temporary power systems. Companies like ours have a vital role to play in matching what is possible with what our customers need.”
