Grundfos solar pumps slash diesel use at Outback hideaway

Grundfos has installed solar-powered submersible pumps at Athelle Outback Hideaway in the Northern Territory, supplying water to a remote hay farm and tourism business about 200km north of Alice Springs.

The installation serves six irrigation pivots on the 60-hectare property and replaces older diesel generator-backed equipment that was costly to run and difficult to maintain in such a remote location. The site produces hay for the Northern Territory beef industry and also operates accommodation, making water supply central to both parts of the business.

Grundfos says the switch to its SPE solar pumps has cut diesel use by about 100,000 litres a year and reduced annual fuel costs by more than AUD $210,000. The pumps also extend daily pumping time by 40 to 60 minutes by using solar energy at the start and end of the day.

The project is the first use in Australia of Grundfos's SPE Permanent Magnet Motor technology. The equipment was selected for Central Australian conditions, where temperatures regularly exceed 40C and rainfall is limited.

Previously, the property relied on diesel generators for irrigation pumping and other water needs. In a remote setting, equipment breakdowns can lead to repair delays, higher transport costs, and risks to crops and infrastructure.

The new system draws water from bores and supplies six pivots used to grow several hay varieties. It also supports orchards on the property, including lemon, agave, almond, and mulberry plantings, as well as the site's tourism operations.

Grundfos delivered the installation through its dealer network, including Think Water Alice Springs, which helped recommend and configure the system for the site's conditions.

Remote pressures

Athelle Outback Hideaway sits in one of the driest parts of Australia, where scarce rainfall and high heat make reliable irrigation a business necessity rather than an efficiency upgrade. For remote operators, fuel logistics and maintenance can add significantly to operating costs, especially when older equipment needs frequent servicing or replacement parts transported over long distances.

The move to solar pumping reflects a broader effort by agricultural businesses in remote regions to reduce dependence on diesel. In areas with strong solar conditions and limited grid access, pumping systems are a clear use case for changing energy supply, provided the equipment can keep operating in harsh field conditions.

Anthony Haigh, Co-owner, Athelle Outback Hideaway, said: "Solar just made sense for us here in the Northern Territory, especially in summer when there's plenty of sun and the most demand for water. The SPE pumps give us an extra 20 minutes of pumping in the morning and evening, which means we're saving money and using less fuel. Having that reliable water supply is critical for running both a productive farm and a sustainable tourism business out here in the harsh Outback conditions."

The SPE system adjusts pump speed to available sunlight and irrigation demand during the day, allowing the pumps to operate across more of the daylight cycle without the same level of diesel support as the previous setup.

Permanent magnet motors are used in a range of industrial applications because they can reduce electricity use compared with some conventional motor types. In this case, Grundfos says the motor and drive arrangement lowered power demand, which is particularly relevant in solar-based systems where energy supply varies through the day.

Dealer role

The installation also highlights the role of regional distributors and service providers in remote infrastructure projects. While multinational manufacturers supply the equipment, local dealers often handle specification, field assessment, and post-installation support - a critical factor in isolated locations where access to technical help is limited.

Rick Holland, Country Director, Grundfos Australia and Vice President APAC and China, Grundfos, said: "Operating in remote environments like Central Australia demands water solutions that are both reliable and energy efficient. The SPE pump technology is designed to maximise solar energy and deliver consistent performance in challenging conditions. By working closely with our dealer network, we're able to help customers secure dependable water supply while reducing operating costs and environmental impact."