CD Power, in partnership with Jumbuck Pastoral, has successfully deployed a CD Power Leasing model (formerly Energy as a Service) to deliver reliable, low-emission energy to remote farming operations. The project demonstrates how data-driven remote power systems can reduce fuel use, lower costs, and improve resilience for Australia’s agricultural sector.

Challenges

Reducing Diesel Dependency in Remote Agriculture

• Traditional generators are expensive, fuel-intensive, and high emission, especially for remote operations covering vast land areas like Jumbuck Pastoral. Upfront capital investment in renewable infrastructure is a major barrier for primary producers.

Managing Technical Risks in Harsh Environments

• Remote equipment is prone to wear, breakdowns, and unexpected usage patterns. Monitoring, maintenance, and system optimisation are difficult due to distance and complexity.

Proving Return on Investment for Renewable Power

• Primary producers need real-world data to justify operational changes. Modelled assumptions often differ from on-ground realities in isolated locations.

Solutions

CD Power Leasing Model Deployment at McCoy’s Well

• CD Power funded, installed, and managed the full remote energy system with no upfront cost to the customer.
• A solar, battery, and generator hybrid system reduced diesel usage by 70%, from 14,700 to 4,700 litres annually.
• Energy costs at the site were reduced by 5%, while delivering continuous and reliable power.

Smart Monitoring with Data-Driven Optimisation

• Embedded digital tech captured real-time data over 12+ months.
• Data insights helped refine performance, reduce downtime, and respond rapidly to technical challenges.
• CD Power’s 37+ years of operational expertise complemented the tech to deliver results.

Risk-Sharing & Commercial Alignment

• CD Power assumes responsibility for system performance, including replacing failed generators or upsizing equipment if needed.
• The “you only pay if it works” model aligns CD Power’s incentives with the customer’s energy needs.
• The approach reduces operational risks and simplifies decision-making for farmers.

Key Features

• Model: CD Power Leasing (no upfront capital, pay as you go model)
• Site: McCoy’s Well, Jumbuck Pastoral
• Components: Solar, battery storage, diesel backup, digital monitoring
• Fuel Reduction: 70% drop in diesel usage
• Energy Cost Saving: 5% overall reduction
• Commercial Model: Shared risk, performance-based billing

Benefits at a Glance

Sustainability

• Significant emissions reduction and cleaner energy footprint for livestock operations.

Cost Savings

• Reduced fuel logistics, lower maintenance, and predictable energy costs without capital burden.

Efficiency

• Real-time data improved system performance, reduced technical issues, and informed better decisions.

Risk Management

• CD Power owns responsibility for system reliability, removing risk from the landowner. CD Power Leasing proves a scalable, low-risk model to support Australia’s agri-sector in adopting clean energy, delivering real savings, sustainability, and performance in even the most remote corners of the country.