Cutting Diesel Use in Remote WA: Hybrid Power Deployment in Sanjiv Ridge

At a remote mining site in Sanjiv Ridge, Western Australia, Generator Services Australia partnered with Makinex Renewables to deploy Hybrid Power Systems designed to reduce diesel consumption, lower operating costs, and improve energy reliability in a challenging off-grid environment.

The project demonstrates how hybrid solutions can significantly reduce fuel dependency while maintaining consistent power supply across critical site operations.

The Solution

To support multiple site applications, Makinex Hybrid Power Systems were deployed across two key loads:

• 1 × HPS20 powering a bore pump
• 1 × HPS45 powering the site office
• Both systems integrated with supplementary CTS units to increase solar input and maximise renewable energy generation

This configuration enabled a greater proportion of the site’s energy demand to be met through solar, reducing reliance on diesel generators.

Phased Implementation Approach

The project was delivered in two stages to minimise risk and validate performance in real site conditions:

• Stage 1: HPS20 installed (July 2025)
• Stage 2: HPS45 installed (January 2026)

The initial HPS20 deployment included a two-month trial period, allowing Generator Services Australia to assess system performance before committing to further investment. This approach provided confidence in both system capability and long-term operational benefits.

Background & Decision

Following a detailed operating cost analysis, Generator Services Australia identified a strong opportunity to reduce diesel usage and associated fuel costs at the site.

After evaluating multiple providers, Makinex was selected based on system performance, reliability, and overall value in remote operating conditions.

Outcome

The trial period confirmed strong performance in real-world conditions, leading to expanded system deployment.

Key outcomes include:

• Reduced diesel reliance across site operations
• Lower operating costs and improved fuel efficiency
• Increased solar contribution to daily energy demand
• Stronger confidence in scaling hybrid solutions across additional applications

The customer is now actively exploring opportunities to expand hybrid power deployment across other site operations.

Customer Testimonial

“Our client is committed to leading environmentally sustainable mining operations through reducing diesel burn and emissions. Since we deployed an HPS45 on site in February, they have reduced their generator fuel burn by 125L per day – translating to $91,000 in annual fuel savings at today’s high diesel price, and $640,000 in diesel fuel savings over the seven-year working life of this site. We previously operated a standard 40kVA generator 24 hours a day, but since switching to the HPS45 with additional CTS modules, it has only been running for around 7 hours a day during summer and as temperatures have cooled, we’ve seen this reduce further to under 6 hours per day with solar production meeting the site’s power demands.

The client has been very happy with the performance of the system and our responsiveness, alongside Makinex Renewables, in resolving issues that come up when you’re operating equipment in the challenging environment of remote WA.

We appreciate the relationship with Makinex Renewables and the team’s ability to support from site scoping through to installation and aftercare. The feedback that we provide them from operating in our environment directly feeds into their R&D program, ensuring the products are built to last.”

Brad Cliff

Director | Generator Services Australia