The Role of Diesel Generators in Australian Rural Electrification

As consumers, we rarely realise the full impact electricity has in our lives until it’s gone. Since Australia’s first supply of electricity in the early 1880’s; the use, need and influence power has had in our world has only boomed. But despite how much electrical energy has evolved through power plants and renewable energy alternatives, providing power to the rural suburbs and off-grid living still comes complete with its own challenges.

City living residents can have a tendency to take everyday power for granted.  With the early years of outback electricity starting in Queensland around 1898, powering rural locations and the cost of getting connected to the mains can still be very prohibitive. Government incentives are in place for more rural residents to install solar power on off grid systems, with diesel generators playing a vital role in its process. But just how crucial are diesel generators to rural electrification and what role do they play?

1. Understanding the Need for Diesel Generators

Putting the obvious power needs aside, from lightning to household purposes, electrical power is essential in rural locations to allow for the mechanisation of farming operations. The more reliable the power supply to these outback areas, the better opportunities there are for cost-effective and greater productivity – something that’s become a core part of Australia. A very substantial 99.9% of households in Australia have access to electricity, but for remote areas that lie outside the city networks or communities that aren’t connected through the grid; diesel generators are a must.

With the integral rise of energy options through renewable sources too; like hydro energy, sun, wind, biomass and geothermal, the need for generators is heighted even further to assist in a stable flow of power to the rural locations. Australia’s local farming and agricultural industries rely on diesel generators as a safe, cost-effective and readily available source of both everyday energy and backup power to these outback communities so work can still continue.

2. Providing a Reliable Power Opportunity

Rural suburbs in Australia that are living off the grid, whether by choice or because of the location, are negatively impacted by the lack of reliable power if plans aren’t in place. Outback living demands for energy revolutions, like solar power, to ensure these households are still being connected to a steady source of power. Whether it’s for everyday household essentials or to continue generating an income from a farm or hobby farm, today’s society should be subjected to reliable power sources 24/7.

Renewable energy contributes to over 10.6% of the total electrical supply throughout Australia; and the agricultural sector offers the most concrete opportunity for using these renewable sources. But with these opportunities comes the vital need for generators to help power off-grid homes and farms. As more farms and farming machinery rely on the steady supply of electricity to operate successfully, generators have stepped in as solution to many power problems and helping to eliminate a shortage of power being a major challenge for farmers.

Diesel generators aren’t just offering a reliable power opportunity for these rural areas; they’re powering areas without an electricity supply and prime supplies vital the success of farming operations. Opting for a lightweight but durable and powerful diesel generator to suit your individual power needs solves a lot of power problems and prevents your farm being put at risk.

3. Matching Power Demands

Diesel generators have been designed to meet the toughest of power demands. Compared to petrol generators, matching power demands through the backup reliability of diesel generators has improved significantly over the years. Diesel Generators provide cleaner energy for longer running hours in different working environments and offer less fire risks, making them the ultimate investment for anyone living or running farm operations in rural locations.

Diesel generators tend to be longer lasting too, offering more opportunities to meet power demands in outback locations. Because farm power requirements are open to renewable energy and too far from the grid to run cables to the main power supply cost-effectively, the use of diesel generators in conjunction with resources like solar power is booming in popularity.

4. Identifying the Costs

The engines of diesel generators are scored better because of their renowned reliability, ruggedness, fuel efficiency and lifespan; which all contribute in lowering the overall costs significantly.

Given the costs associated with downtime on working farm operations, investing in a high quality diesel generator that meets the power demands of your property is important. For rural households and farms that require backup power or a steady source of power, a diesel generator provides a reliable and efficient option.