High in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the Snowy 2.0 project stands as Australia's largest renewable energy initiative, a landmark development set to redefine the nation's transition to a low-carbon future. As part of this multi-year infrastructure effort, UGL was tasked with delivering essential transmission upgrades to link pumped hydro generation with the national grid.
One of the biggest challenges? Powering remote site compounds located in rugged alpine terrain—without compromising on sustainability or reliability. That’s where Makinex Renewables stepped in with an innovative off-grid power solution.
Operating deep within the Kosciuszko National Park, UGL's project site required an energy solution that could:
Deliver continuous power in temperatures ranging from -5°C to over 30°C
Withstand heavy snow, high winds, and extreme humidity (up to 95%)
Operate completely off-grid with zero tolerance for outages
Sustain multi-year usage with minimal maintenance
Support compound-wide infrastructure including heating, lighting, and amenities
This unique combination of environmental pressure and sustainability expectations made conventional diesel generators inadequate—not just environmentally, but operationally
To address these demands, Makinex Renewables deployed two units—a HPS75 and a HPS45—to UGL’s remote Snowy 2.0 compound. Combined, the systems supported over 90kW of connected load, providing reliable and sustainable power around the clock.
✅ 15 Tonnes CO₂ Avoided
In just two months, the Makinex HPS system saved 5,500 litres of diesel, equivalent to $13,000 and 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
✅ Engineered for Extremes
The HPS units maintained flawless performance in freezing blizzards and sweltering summer heat, with a discharge rating between -20°C and +55°C.
✅ High Load Capacity
The SCADA-managed system delivered 92kW of instant load—20% above rated capacity—ensuring consistent energy supply for all critical systems.
✅ Effortless Deployment
The plug-and-play design allowed UGL to deploy the system quickly and focus on construction without needing to manage power generation intricacies.
✅ Sustainable Living
The hybrid systems powered everything from lighting and heating to kitchen appliances—ensuring crew comfort and operational productivity for the project’s full duration.
By partnering with Makinex Renewables, UGL successfully met its power needs while aligning with the clean energy goals of the Snowy 2.0 project. The hybrid power solution proved its resilience in one of Australia’s harshest environments—showcasing the scalability, sustainability, and robustness of off-grid renewable systems.
“The Snowy 2.0 project is about building a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Australia. With smart hybrid systems from Makinex Renewables, that future is already powering up—silently, efficiently, and sustainably.”