Finning Power Rental adds BESS units to fleet

Finning Power Rental (FPR) in the UK has introduced its first battery energy storage systems (BESS) to its rental fleet, alongside a range of new Caterpillar Stage V diesel gensets.

Joining the fleet are Cat XES120 BESS units with a 72kW output and 127.9kWh of stored energy. They can be used as a stand-alone power source or paired with a diesel generator to create a hybrid solution.

The company has also added four new Cat Stage V diesel generator sets to the fleet, with capacities from 20kVA to 550kVA. These are the XQP20, XQP200, XQP310 and XQP550, powered by Cat C2.2, C7.1, C9.3 and C18 engines.

New BESS and Stage V power units in the Finning Power Rental fleet. (Image: Finning Power Rental)

The diesel sets are compatible with HVO fuel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to around 90%.

The investment coincides with the recent appointment of Mark Albiston as director of Electric Power and Engineering, with responsibility for Finning Power Rental.

Albison, who was previously CEO of UK welfare cabin supplier Garic, brings extensive experience in manufacturing, logistics and plant hire.

Finning said his appointment “strengthens Finning’s focus on developing its rental power capabilities and supporting customers through the transition to lower-emission and hybrid energy solutions.”

Cleaner, quieter energy

Finning Power Rental, which is part of the Finning Caterpillar deadlership in the UK and Ireland, said the investment would allow it to deliver cleaner, quieter and more efficient energy to customers in construction, infrastructure and healthcare.

Cheryl Griffith, technical operations manager at Finning Power Rental, said; “We’re 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.”

She added; “This investment gives our customers access to the very latest low-emission technology, helping them meet sustainability and regulatory requirements in low-emission zones such as London, Glasgow and Birmingham, without compromising reliability or performance.”

FPR said its apprentices and engineers were undergoing specialist training in battery system safety and hybrid power operation, supported by new tooling and certification requirements.

“We’re not just investing in new equipment, we’re investing in our people”, said Griffith, “These technologies require new skills, and we’re making sure our teams are ready to support customers now and for years to come.”