McNab, one of Queensland’s most prominent construction companies, has announced a major investment in Powershift, a fast-growing provider of clean and deployable temporary power solutions. The partnership is being hailed as a watershed moment for the construction sector and allied industries, positioning both companies at the forefront of the shift toward sustainability and efficiency.
Unlike traditional diesel generators, Powershift’s mobile battery systems cut emissions and fuel use by up to 75 per cent while delivering quieter, safer, and more cost-effective energy. For McNab, the decision to invest reflects both an environmental commitment and a recognition that energy security on worksites is a commercial and operational challenge that needs smarter answers.
McNab’s ESG Strategy Meets On-the-Ground Innovation
McNab Chief Executive Officer Kunjan Ganatra stressed that the investment was not simply financial but strategic. “This partnership reflects our belief that Powershift’s technology represents the future of temporary power in commercial and industrial settings,” he said, highlighting that McNab had trialled Powershift units across multiple sites.
The outcomes were striking: quieter environments for workers, tangible cost reductions, and cleaner power. Ganatra made clear that McNab chose partnership over building its own capability because Powershift was already demonstrating commercial readiness. This approach underscores McNab’s long-standing ESG agenda, which prioritises scalable, real-world solutions over theoretical commitments.
McNab, which has expanded beyond construction into supply chain services and ESG-oriented ventures, sees this partnership as part of a larger diversification strategy. The company is positioning itself not just as a builder, but as a driver of systemic change within Australia’s infrastructure economy.
Powershift’s Edge: From Construction Sites to Grid Stabilisation
Founded by Sandra Brodie, Justin Pettett, and Damien Glanville, Powershift has rapidly scaled from a start-up concept to a regional energy disruptor. Its fleet of mobile battery systems can power entire construction sites — cranes, hoists, site sheds, and plant equipment — without reliance on diesel.
The technology also ensures projects keep running through commissioning and handover, even when grid connections lag behind. For industries long constrained by the limitations of temporary energy, this capability is transformative.
Powershift’s deployment footprint extends well beyond Queensland. Units are currently operating across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, powering infrastructure projects, supporting island communities, and even stabilising electricity grids through partnerships with utilities.
Chief Executive Officer Sandra Brodie said McNab’s investment would allow Powershift to expand faster and deeper. “Our vision has always been to redefine what’s possible in delivering temporary power here in Australia,” she said. “This partnership gives us the momentum to scale nationally and internationally, with both stronger resources and shared values.”
The Problem with Diesel Dependence
For decades, Australia’s construction industry has leaned heavily on diesel generators to meet high-demand power needs. A single high-rise site can burn thousands of litres of fuel each month, producing both carbon emissions and disruptive noise. In dense urban areas, fumes and noise pollution create friction with local communities.
The challenge is compounded by infrastructure limitations. Grid connections in many growing areas were designed to power a handful of homes, not the energy-hungry demands of cranes, hoists, and industrial machinery. As Brodie noted, “The industry’s default solution has been oversized diesel generators — costly, unsustainable, and inefficient. For us, that presented an obvious opportunity to innovate.”
Europe has been leading the charge on alternatives, fast-tracking mobile battery deployments and hybrid systems. By leveraging these international relationships and technologies, Powershift has been able to import proven solutions into the Australian market while adapting them to local conditions.
Why This Matters for Property and Infrastructure
McNab’s investment in Powershift resonates beyond construction. It signals a broader shift in how energy will be managed across Australia’s property and infrastructure industries. Developers and contractors are under increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and communities to deliver projects that align with sustainability benchmarks.
Temporary power has historically been a blind spot in these ESG strategies. By addressing it head-on, McNab and Powershift are creating a new baseline for responsible construction. Cost savings also make the solution commercially attractive — a factor that will accelerate adoption across multiple sectors.
Grid operators and governments stand to benefit as well. With temporary power solutions capable of stabilising networks, Powershift’s technology could ease strain during peak demand and in remote communities where infrastructure investment lags.
A Partnership with Broader Implications
The partnership is not simply about technology but about scaling influence. McNab’s industry reach, financial strength, and credibility provide Powershift with the platform to expand nationally. At the same time, McNab gains a competitive advantage by embedding advanced energy solutions across its projects.
Ganatra described the deal as a “pivotal moment,” combining McNab’s leadership with Powershift’s pioneering technology. He emphasised that investing in cleaner, smarter energy was both a responsibility and an opportunity: “We are investing in companies that are pushing the boundaries of efficiency while delivering scalable solutions for the future.”
For Powershift, access to capital and partnerships accelerates growth. For McNab, embedding clean energy strengthens its ESG profile and builds resilience in an industry where power reliability is central to cost control and delivery timelines.
Looking Ahead: Scaling the Transition
The partnership aligns with global trends toward decarbonisation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), construction and building operations account for nearly 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions. Temporary power is a significant but often overlooked contributor to that footprint.
As governments tighten emissions standards and investors demand stronger ESG accountability, companies that deliver real, measurable reductions will gain an edge. Powershift’s promise of up to 75 per cent cuts in fuel use and emissions offers a compelling solution for clients balancing performance with compliance.
The scaling challenge will focus on manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and customer education. Brodie acknowledged that industry adoption requires proof at scale but noted that Powershift is already partnering with global suppliers and local industry leaders to meet demand.
The Future of Temporary Power in Australia
This deal reflects a larger reimagining of how Australia approaches industrial power needs. No longer an afterthought, temporary energy is becoming a critical focus for ESG strategies, operational cost savings, and community impact management.
By investing in Powershift, McNab is betting that the industry’s reliance on diesel is entering its final chapter. The success of this partnership will likely influence competitors, spark new alliances, and accelerate the sector’s transition to low-carbon operations.
For developers, contractors, and infrastructure operators, the message is clear: clean, mobile power is no longer a niche experiment. It is the new standard.
Conclusion
McNab’s investment in Powershift represents more than a financial transaction — it is a signal of intent. It highlights the growing recognition that construction companies must lead, not follow, in tackling the environmental and operational challenges of the industry.
For Powershift, it provides the resources and reach needed to amplify its impact across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. For McNab, it embeds sustainability into the very fabric of its operations.
Together, the partnership is setting a precedent for what responsible, forward-looking collaboration can achieve in the property and infrastructure sectors. Clean energy, once considered aspirational in temporary power, is now within reach — and McNab and Powershift are leading the charge.
