United Rentals adds zero-emission portable energy systems

United Rentals, Stamford, Conn., now will offer its customers zero-emission power systems with the introduction of Powrbank battery systems in its rental fleet. The company’s partnership with manufacturer POWR2 Energy Solutions, Bethel, Conn., represents a significant investment in sustainable worksite solutions for United Rentals customers in North America.

The Powrbank portable energy storage system integrates with diesel generators, enabling the user to significantly reduce generator run-time and reduce emissions, noise and fuel waste, the company says. The system is comprised of high-density lithium batteries, inverters and load-sensing technology. The Powrbank model designed for United Rentals is rated for 40kW to 60kW of power output and provides between 60kW and 120kW hours of storage.

David Scott, senior vice president, specialty operations, of United Rentals, said, “POWR2 is the type of sustainability partner we look for — innovative and willing to invest the time in understanding the unique demands of equipment rental. Hybrid power is a particular focus of ours as we explore adding more low- and zero-emission equipment to our rental fleet. Our introductions of reduced emission worksite solutions help our customers meet their own sustainability objectives.”

Powrbank inverters are pure sine wave and emission-free for completely clean energy. The system is designed to absorb fluctuations in load while providing power and will engage the diesel generator when the batteries are close to depletion. The equipment is essentially maintenance-free, with a recharge time of three and four hours that can be reduced by adding renewable power sources, such as solar.

“We’re proud to work closely with United Rentals in providing a custom solution that fits their fleet operations and sustainability goals, and importantly, the needs of their customers. United Rentals’ industry-leading scale will ensure that their investment in emissions reduction will have a widespread impact,” said Tim Doling, director, POWR2.

United Rentals has nearly 1,300 rental branches and the largest generator rental fleet in North America. The company has set a goal of reducing the 2018 greenhouse gas emissions intensity of its business by 35 percent by 2030. More information about United Rentals’ environmental management strategy can be found in its Corporate Responsibility Report at unitedrentals.com.