WITH contractors and developers under increasing pressure to ensure that their projects are delivered on time, within budget and to high quality standards, the importance of a reliable power source cannot be underestimated.

Utilising rental power is a more flexible option for contractors rather than having to purchase and operate their own onsite power plant equipment, says Phil Burns, managing director, Aggreko Middle East, a global leader in the provision of temporary power and temperature control, power rental package.

“By renting their power supply needs, companies avoid high capital and labour costs, while also ensuring rapid deployment and commissioning of the power equipment,” he says. “Upon completion of the project, the equipment is rapidly decommissioned so there are no headaches regarding the storage, servicing and re-utilisation of the equipment, and there is no need for asset depreciation on the balance sheet.”

According to Burns, power rental packages are increasingly popular within the construction market, due to the cost and operational benefits they provide.

He elaborates: “Power rental packages are designed specifically to suit the customer’s exact requirements, meaning that they only pay for the power that they need. The purchase of a power plant can be costly, not only in the set-up, but in the ongoing running and maintenance. Power is extremely complex, and must be handled by skilled experts who are trained appropriately.”

Aggreko power rental packages are supplied together with an onsite team, who install and commission the project, as well as handling regular maintenance requirements. This leaves the customer free to focus on core business activities, safe in the knowledge that they will have reliable and sufficient power to work with, he points out. The power can be put in place quickly, and is completely flexible, meaning the customer can increase or decrease the supply as required.

During the boom period of 2005-2008, construction was a major part of Aggreko’s business in the region. The company has been responsible for the supply of power packages for the construction of many of the major UAE landmarks, including The Palm, Jumeirah. At present, Aggreko is working on a number of construction projects in Abu Dhabi, as the emirate drives forward a series of large-scale residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects.

Power trends
With an increased focus on cost management, construction companies across the Gulf have become far more diligent in matching the purchasing of supplies and services to where they are actually required in the project life-cycle. Rental power matches this need for flexibility perfectly, he says.

With a fleet of generators ranging from 30 to 1,500 kVA, Aggreko can specifically tailor power packages to the precise needs of an individual project, yet with the ability to increase or decrease the size of the offering as and when required.
“As the construction market continues to re-establish itself in the Middle East, power rental solutions can help the industry to focus on its core business.

“There are positive projections for the building and construction industry across many territories in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and we anticipate that Aggreko will maintain strong growth across this sector during the upcoming few years,” Burns concludes.