At Bauma, the world’s largest trade fair for construction and mining machinery, Belgian company e-power® unveiled its new hybrid energy solution, the P-grid, for the European market. This innovative product combines a generator and a battery in one compact unit, designed to reduce both costs and environmental impact. e-power® also revealed plans to collaborate with Honda on future developments.
The P-grid is a hybrid system that integrates a Stage 5 diesel generator with a lead-carbon battery. It serves as an alternative to traditional diesel generators used on construction sites, industrial locations, and events. The system’s unique feature is “peak shaving,” where the lead-carbon battery helps to manage power surges, reducing the reliance on the generator. e-power® is the first company to offer this hybrid energy solution on a large scale.
Revolutionizing Energy Management
Kurt Van Dal, CEO and owner of e-power®, explained the challenge with current energy solutions: “Generators are often left running continuously to meet peak power demands, which leads to high fuel consumption. However, peak loads typically last only for a short time. The P-grid solves this by using the battery to handle peak power, while the generator ensures continuous power and keeps the battery charged.”
This system significantly reduces fuel usage and CO₂ emissions, offering a more sustainable solution for industries like construction, which are under pressure to adopt greener practices. Van Dal further emphasized, “The P-grid also requires less maintenance, making it both cost-effective and reliable. With a payback period of just one to three years, it’s a smart investment.”
Flexible and Reliable Design
The key to the P-grid’s efficiency is the combination of the diesel generator and the lead-carbon battery. “The lead-carbon battery is a true powerhouse—twice as powerful and safer than lithium batteries,” said Van Dal. The P-grid offers flexibility as it can be used both on-grid and off-grid. It can function as a standalone energy source or be connected in parallel with other P-grids for added power.
The system also features an integrated monitoring platform that allows for real-time tracking through a SIM card, providing automatic maintenance alerts and remote troubleshooting. This enhances reliability and minimizes downtime. The P-grid is designed to be compact, user-friendly, and easy to control through a central display.
Proven Savings and Efficiency
The P-grid is already in use by BAM, one of Ireland’s largest construction companies. Tommy Flaherty, Plant and Assets Director at BAM, praised the system for its effectiveness: “The P-grid has solved a long-standing problem for us. We no longer rely on noisy, fuel-hungry generators. One P-grid replaces two traditional generators, saving us €2,000 per week in fuel costs for a site with two tower cranes. It reduces maintenance and downtime, while making our projects more sustainable. We see the P-grid as a strategic investment that will help us meet European 2030 sustainability targets.”
