Select and Zenobē use second-life batteries to power construction sites

Laing O’Rourke plant hire subsidiary Select has partnered with energy storage specialist Zenobē to provide clean power for construction and infrastructure sites using second-life bus batteries as portable power supplies.

Select will initially take delivery of 20 portable units to be used as on-site power sources as a cleaner alternative to diesel generators.

One battery unit can store approximately 150kwh of energy and can also connect with the local grid to provide power across a variety of applications, including construction, lifting solutions and electric vehicle charging.

Select says the collaboration with Zenobē marks a significant milestone in advancing its business and aligning with its corporate sustainability strategy, which pledges to achieve operational net zero by 2030.

As a leading supplier in the construction industry, this partnership also supports Select in its aim to provide innovative and high-performance sustainable solutions, helping clients reach their net zero goals.

Select’s product lead, Ian Fleming, said, “Our collaboration with Zenobē represents another pivotal moment in our journey to redefining the future of energy storage in the construction industry. It emphasises Select’s commitment to innovation, sustainability solutions and resilience, setting a new standard for the industry and empowering a cleaner, more reliable construction landscape.”

Zenobē’s co-founder director, Steven Meersman, said, “Our portable batteries, made from refurbished electric bus batteries, provide Select with a ready and proven solution for their customers to decarbonise their projects. Our flexible funding and technical support provide the technological and sustainability benefits without the need of ownership.

“Having already been used in the film, events, and logistics industries to much success, we are looking forward to seeing them becoming a regular sight, providing clean and reliable power to construction projects around the country.”