Client
emissions & fuel reduced by 43%
Efficient Emergency Power:
Fuel and Emissions Saved.
Just two miles from Gatwick Airport, a long-established freight packaging specialist faced a sudden power outage affecting two key buildings. With operations centred around the manufacture of custom cases and the packing of high-value goods – from flight simulators to fine art, any downtime risked significant disruption. Emergency temporary power was needed immediately to protect output and keep projects moving. MEMS delivered emergency power fast, then optimised performance using a Generator and BES emissions reduction strategy.
THE CHALLENGE | Emergency power needed to keep operations running without delay
THE SOLUTION | Battery Energy Storage (BES) system used alongside generator to reduce runtime
THE RESULT | Savings of over 43% in emissions and fuel
The Challenge
A full power outage across two separate buildings prompted an urgent call to MEMS. Despite having no prior account set up, MEMS acted immediately.
Within four hours, MEMS had:
- Onboarded the packaging specialist as a new customer
- Dispatched a 200 kVA generator, bulk fuel tank and full distribution package
- Installed, connected and commissioned the solution across two connection points
- Fully restored power on-site
This wasn’t just a rapid response – it was full operational recovery delivered from a standing start.
The Solution
This wasn’t a pre-planned optimisation. MEMS used real-time data from MEMS Connect to monitor site load from day one and identified an opportunity mid-project to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, without compromising performance.
The packaging specialist site was initially powered using a 200 kVA generator operating 24/7. MEMS Connect revealed clear peaks between 9am and 4pm, with a significant drop in demand overnight. Running the generator around the clock wasn’t just unnecessary – it was inefficient.
MEMS responded by introducing a hybrid approach. A 45 kVA Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was delivered, installed, and commissioned. From that point forward, the BESS handled low-load periods, allowing the generator to shut down when demand dropped. This decision was data-led and timed to maximise impact during the quieter Christmas period, avoiding fuel waste during seasonal low usage.
BESS allows generators to be turned off during periods of low demand, reducing fuel consumption. It also increases resilience by supporting the system during unexpected spikes in load. Where overnight load remains low but critical, BESS can operate independently, maintaining supply while conserving fuel and limiting emissions.
MEMS managed the entire process – from installation to system optimisation – and maintained full remote oversight until mains power was returned.
Summary
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Response Time: Power reinstated within 4 hours
- Equipment Supplied: 200 kVA generator, 3000-litre bulk fuel tank, full distribution cabling
- Hybrid Upgrade: 45 kVA BESS installed after load profiling
- Remote Monitoring: MEMS Connect active throughout
KEY Stats
BESS Impact Over the Final 31 Days (Prorated Comparison):
- Projected fuel use (based on generator-only rate): 5,888 litres
- Actual fuel used (with BES): 3,346 litres
- Fuel saved: 2,542 litres
- CO₂e emissions saved: 6,813 kg
- Emissions reduction: 43.17%
Results
The generator-only setup required 6,458 litres of fuel. After deploying the BESS, usage dropped to 3,346 litres to provide an equivalent amount of power.
This wasn’t a pre-planned optimisation. It was identified and implemented mid-project, using real-time load data from MEMS Connect. These savings not only reduced operating costs but also supported their sustainability ambitions.
The site’s power demand followed a classic pattern: daily peaks with lower overnight needs. Like many businesses, the typical nature of power consumption on the site meant that peaks and troughs are typical. However, this also means generators are often oversized due to the misconception of incorporating greater power to meet start-up demand. In addition to adding a BESS solution, selecting power solutions that optimise energy usage through rightsizing was crucial.
By analysing real-time data, MEMS could right-size the solution and eliminate unnecessary generator use.
This project demonstrates how close collaboration, data-led decisions, and the integration of battery storage can significantly reduce emissions and support operational resilience.
