Microgrids & Stand Alone Power Systems

Optimal Group engineer, install and maintain microgrid systems, including thermal power generation, energy storage and renewable energy systems.

A microgrid brings together multiple forms of energy generation and storage to minimise fuel consumption and emission while maximising reliability and resiliency.

We also deliver Stand-Alone Power Systems (SPS), which provide reliable and versatile power when you want it, wherever you want it. Like microgrids these systems are often a combination of various technologies such as solar PVs, supercapacitors, batteries, and microturbines. These systems can deliver reliable, hybrid power in the most remote environments.

While very similar in features, the two differ in certain areas such as Stand-Alone Power Systems being designed for one user’s needs whereas Microgrids are usually utilised by multiple users.

Key advantages associated with these systems include:

  • The option to utilize low-emission fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), or biogas as alternatives to diesel.
  • Being a fully integrated hybrid energy system.
  • Having energy storage capabilities and a renewable energy interface.
  • Achievement of up to an 80% reduction in fuel consumption.
  • Remote monitoring capabilities, low maintenance requirements, and high operational uptime.
  • Being able to facilitate up to 75% renewable components.
  • Being able to provide 24/7 hot water.
  • Elimination of the risk of environmental contamination from diesel, oil, or coolant.

Renewable generation reduces fuel consumption and emissions from dispatchable turbine generation. The battery storage systems in these systems enable storage of surplus energy; ability to reduce running hours of turbines; reduce Operations and Maintenance and increase lifecycle; and further improve system efficiency. Furthermore, the declining costs of renewables and energy storage have significantly enhanced the economic viability of microgrids. In the context of SPS applications, renewables have already surpassed fossil fuels in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Optimal Group operates hundreds of units in harsh & remote conditions across Australia, which still requires dispatchable, flexible power for times when wind or solar unavailable. Many of these sites are inherently isolated and occasionally unmanned, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted operational uptime and self-sufficiency that SPS systems offer. In most of these sites we are replacing diesel generators and in comparison, to diesel, gas is more readily available, cleaner, is lower cost and can be stored longer.

Here are some of the sites where a microgrid or an SPS has been commissioned: