OUR PROJECTS

Powering a Remote Scientific Research Island

When a government agency needed a reliable, low-maintenance power system for a remote scientific research island in Cook Strait, they contacted Off-Grid Energy. With no barge landing, strict biosecurity protocols, extreme winds, and sensitive cultural and environmental considerations, this project demanded precision, innovation, and deep experience.

Location: Remote Cook Strait Biodiversity Research Island

Client: Government Commercial

System Type: Full replacement off-grid power system

Key Objectives:

Eliminate reliance on fossil fuels
Meet Healthy Homes standards
Enable remote monitoring and management
Protect the ecologically and culturally sensitive environment

The Challenge

The client was operating on a remote scientific research island in Cook Strait, with a legacy of unreliable and underperforming power systems across similar government sites. The location presented extreme logistical and environmental challenges:

No barge landing zone for materials
Stringent biosecurity protocols to protect native biodiversity
Design considerations for severe wind conditions
Cultural sensitivities and collaborative agency oversight

Due to our proven track record in delivering high-performance off-grid systems in remote and sensitive environments, we were selected to design and deliver a reliable, future-proof energy solution.

Our Solution

To meet the client's needs, we replaced an ageing 24-volt system with a state-of-the-art, maintenance-free power solution tailored for reliability and resilience:

System Upgrade: 30 kW ground-mounted solar array with 144 kWh of sealed 120-volt batteries and a 20 kW auto-start diesel generator as backup
Logistics: Over 30 tonnes of equipment transported via barge and helicopter
Foundation: No-dig, no-concrete ground screw system to preserve the natural environment
Biosecurity: Multi-agency planning ensured compliance with strict ecological protocols
Comfort Upgrade: Heat pumps added to residential houses for healthier, energy-efficient heating.

The Outcome

This installation delivered a major step forward for the client:

Fossil Fuel Elimination: No more diesel use for heating, dramatically lowering emissions
Operational Efficiency: Staff can now focus on core research instead of managing unreliable power systems
Cost Savings: Reduced maintenance needs and improved system reliability save time and resources

Key Takeaways

No Environment Too Remote: This project proves our team’s ability to deliver even in the most challenging locations
Quality Pays Off: Using premium components and proven engineering reduces long-term costs—especially in places you don’t want to revisit
Reputation Matters: As one client commented during planning, “All roads lead back to Paul”—a testament to our reputation for excellence in the off-grid space
Client Feedback: On-site staff praised the work, calling it some of the best they’d ever seen on projects of this scale and complexity