BESS for Tower Cranes with Grid, Diesel or Hybrid Generators

Date: 12/12/25

Tower cranes are one of the most important elements of any construction site, lifting essential materials both around the site and upwards as the structures take shape.

Traditionally, tower cranes have either been powered by costly, polluting and noisy diesel generators that have to be run constantly during operations, or directly off the grid. However, in recent years, constructors have been looking for ways to cut the costs of crane operations, as well as to reduce the environmental impact of providing their power. 

In this article, we’ll show you how Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can help you run your construction cranes more efficiently, whether you are using a diesel generator, renewable inputs or connecting directly to the grid. 

The problem with traditional crane power systems

Powering your construction cranes using a diesel generator or a direct grid connection is neither energy-efficient nor cost-effective. Both of these arrangements involve sourcing expensive power on demand, either by burning expensive diesel throughout your operations or buying energy from the grid on demand, at peak daytime prices.

In addition to the ever-rising fuel costs, diesel generators produce CO2, NOx and other pollutants, which are often strictly regulated in residential and inner-city areas, as well as creating noise pollution. A typical generator powering a tower crane emits over 50 tonnes of CO2 per year.

How Think Hire BESS make a difference

With a BESS from Think Hire, you can manage your tower crane power so much more efficiently and cost-effectively, removing the need for a costly and polluting diesel generator altogether in many cases. 

Think Hire SiteGrid BESS units can be used with grid connections or hybrid generators:

• BESS with grid connection – by connecting your BESS to the grid, with a trickle charge, you can manage your energy usage in the most cost-effective way, drawing power during off-peak/overnight periods, and using that power during peak daytime operations.

• BESS with renewables – BESS systems are ideal to supportrenewableenergy generation, storing energy from solar arrays when the sun is shining, for use during nighttime operations, or for powering aircraft safety lights and other site lighting. With a SiteGrid BESS, you can cut back-up diesel generator runtime to as little as 2 hours per day.

The benefits of BESS with hybrid generators

Using SiteGrid BESS with a hybrid generator maximises the benefits to your energy supply, your environmental impact and ultimately to your bottom line.

Combining a BESS with a hybrid generator gives you the power you need, when and where you need it, making it ideal for crane operations, which require short bursts of high power. BESS can deliver peak loads instantly, on demand, with no diesel generator lag. 

Using a BESS with your hybrid generator for crane operations also delivers:

• Huge fuel savings – with the back-up generator only used when stored solar or wind energy has been depleted.

• Reduced emissions – hybrid generators cut CO2 emissions by as much as 90% compared to a diesel generator, complying with BREEAM and ULEZ requirements.

• Virtually silent operation – hybrid generators minimise noise pollution

• Increased reliability – only using your diesel generator as back-up means fewer generator hours, less maintenance and fewer breakdowns, significantly reducing costly downtime.

Why choose Think Hire for your BESS 

Think Hire has been leading the way in the renewable energy sector for many years, creating genuine innovations and pioneering products. Our six SiteGrid BESS units cover a wide range of energy demands, from the 45kWh SiteGrid X45 to the mighty 564kWh SiteGrid X500.

Each SiteGrid BESS unit is available with the industry-leading Think Energy Panorama. This unique AI-driven energy management system delivers even greater operational and downtime savings, while constantly monitoring and correcting system loads, distribution and faults to keep your crane operations running smoothly. 

Frequently Asked Questions About BESS for Tower Cranes

Q. Is a BESS powerful enough for a tower crane?

A. Yes. The Think Hire SiteGrid BESS range includes the X500, which delivers 625 kVA of peak/overload power and 564kWh of charge, with rapid discharge ideal for the high, short-term demands of tower cranes.

Q. Do BESS operate silently?

A. Yes. Once they have been charged, a BESS will operate silently. The only noise will be if you use a diesel generator to charge your BESS before use. If you charge using renewables, the entire operation is silent.

Q. Can I save money powering a tower crane with a BESS?

A. Yes. A BESS is much more efficient than running a standard diesel generator for an extended period. You can make further savings by charging your BESS from the grid during off-peak times or incorporating renewables or hybrid generators.

Q. Are BESS better for the environment?

A. Yes. BESS solutions can significantly reduce emissions by reducing diesel generator runtime and facilitating the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind.

Power your cranes more efficiently with Think Hire

To find out more about the cost savings and environmental benefits of powering your construction cranes using a BESS and hybrid generator set-up, download our information leaflet today or contact our team to discuss your specific site requirements.

Think Hire has been saving money for hundreds of sites across the UK, and we can do the same for you, while also helping you reduce your emissions and meet your environmental targets.  

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