Hybrid Power Systems vs Diesel Gensets: Busting the Myths

As Australia pushes toward a low-emissions future, more businesses are reconsidering their energy use, particularly in industries that rely heavily on temporary power like construction, mining, and infrastructure. Traditional diesel and petrol generators are dependable but come with increasing fuel costs, high maintenance requirements, noise, and environmental impact.

At Fuelfix & Tanks2Go, we’re helping Australian businesses reimagine their energy strategy through hybrid power systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and off-grid power solutions and it’s time to clear the air around the biggest myths in this space.

Why So Many Still Rely on Diesel Gensets (And Why That’s Changing Fast)

Diesel gensets have long been the default choice for temporary and mobile power. They’re rugged, simple to use, and provide instant electricity. But in today’s world, they’re also:

• Expensive to run due to volatile fuel costs
  
• Loud and disruptive to site operations and local communities
  
• High in emissions, impacting compliance and sustainability goals
  
• Maintenance-heavy, requiring frequent service every 500 hours
  

 
These challenges have paved the way for smarter solutions like hybrid power systems and battery energy storage, yet many project managers still hesitate often because of outdated assumptions. Let’s break those myths down.

Myth #1: Hybrid power systems are too expensive

Reality: A hybrid generator that combines a diesel engine with battery storage and solar input actually lowers overall costs significantly.

*Based on applications

Pro Tip: The upfront hire cost for hybrid systems might appear slightly higher, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) factoring in fuel, service, and emissions penalties is dramatically lower over even a short-term project.

Myth #2: Battery storage can’t handle high loads

Reality: Modern BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) are designed to manage both low baseloads and sudden surges in demand, with smart inverters and lithium batteries working in sync.

Fuelfix’s Energy Storage Systems come in scalable configurations from 5kWh to 150kWh+ and can be customised for your project’s specific demand profile. Whether it’s a light tower, site office, or a multi-building complex, we size it right, no energy wasted.

Myth #3: Hybrid systems can’t run overnight or off-grid

Reality: A properly designed off-grid power system powered by hybrid generators and battery banks is more than capable of running overnight even with no grid or sunlight.

With intelligent load management, batteries carry low or no-load times (like nights or weekends), while the generator kicks in only when required. This improves efficiency and reduces runtime.

Fun fact: In one of our recent deployments for NRW Civil & Mining on a remote iron ore mine site in the Pilbara, the generator in a Fuelfix hybrid system ran less than one hour per day, saving 91% in fuel and avoiding over 3.6 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Myth #4: Maintenance is still a big issue

Reality: With hybrid systems, generators run less, meaning less wear, fewer oil changes, and longer time between services.

Let’s break it down:

Myth #5: Hybrids don’t really reduce emissions

Reality: Even without solar integration, hybrid systems significantly reduce Scope 1 emissions by cutting diesel use. Add solar and you can cut up to 100% of your emissions during sunny hours.

Every litre of diesel saved = 2.68 kg less CO₂.

Let’s do the math:

So, How Does It All Work?

Here’s a simple flow of a hybrid power system setup offered by Fuelfix & Tanks2Go:

• The generator kicks in only when batteries drop below a set threshold. 
• Solar charges batteries and provides power during the day.
  
• Inverter seamlessly switches between sources based on demand and availability.

How to Choose Between Diesel power, Solar power, or Hybrid Battery Power

 
Use this interactive checklist to decide what suits your project best:

 1.Do you need power 24/7?
→ Choose hybrid power combining battery and solar power systems and diesel genset as back-up power only for low-fuel overnight operations.

2. Is your site in a noise-sensitive area?
→ Use a combination of battery and solar system with silent operation overnight.

3. Do you have limited refuelling access?
→ Increase your battery storage capacity to extend generator-free uptime/refuelling intervals.

4. Want to reduce diesel costs without going diesel-free?
→ A simple diesel generator + Fuelfix’ battery equipment creates a hybrid system that could cut your fuel bill in half.

5. Do you already have a diesel generator and you are not sure what to do with it now ?
→ You can add a battery energy storage system to your diesel generator to transform your standard genset into an energy efficient hybrid power system.
 

Why More Australian Projects Are Switching to Fuelfix & Tanks2Go

We don’t just supply equipment, we partner in designing, deploying, and optimising hybrid and battery solutions across sectors like:

• Mining & exploration
  
• Major infrastructure
  
• Agriculture & remote operations
  
• Construction & civil projects
  
• Events and temporary setups
  

 
With fleet-wide remote monitoring, Australia-wide delivery, on-call technical support, and smart integration options, Fuelfix & Tanks2Go is Australia’s trusted name in hybrid energy solutions.
 

The Future of Power is Here and It’s Smarter Than Diesel

The myths about hybrid power systems and BESS are rooted in outdated comparisons. Today’s systems are smarter, cheaper to run, and far more sustainable.

If you’re ready to reduce emissions, slash fuel costs, and gain more control over your energy use, it’s time to break free from diesel-only thinking.

Let Fuelfix & Tanks2Go show you the future of energy today.

Need some guidance for your next project? Reach out to our experts to explore our hybrid solutions and find the best solutions.