“Can I borrow your power bank?” The statement has become somewhat conventional, taking the meaning of BYOB to a whole new level — bring your own batteries. Though the portable battery was officially invented in 1888, it grew popular in the 1950s due to the use of flashlights and transistor radios. Despite that, its position in society was truly cemented by the early 2000s, coinciding with the introduction of smartphones and the device’s increasing presence in day-to-day life. Access to a power bank ensured uninterrupted connectivity, eliminating the need for wall outlets and allowing users to stay connected anywhere, anytime.
Recognising the efficiency of uninterrupted power, GoRental Global embodies this philosophy through modular battery systems and microgrids that provide backup power. Even better, it is emission-free. But before the focus turned to clean energy, the company was rooted in motion pictures.
On set
Filmmaker Colin Peh graduated with a master’s in film from the University of California, Los Angeles. As a fan of black-and-white cinema, he favoured the works of Orson Welles and Stanley Kubrick. “I did dream of becoming a director, but I mostly worked behind the scenes as a cinematographer. That is how I learned about equipment,” states the founder and CEO of GoRental Global.
Under the name True Colour Media, the group served as a backbone of the film industry, providing technical solutions, equipment rental and manpower. They have worked on several established projects, including Crazy Rich Asians, Wolverine and Blood Brothers: Bara Naga.
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Like most hardware, film equipment requires power, which in this case was supplied by diesel generator sets (gensets). Peh and his team constantly had to navigate the hurdle of noise, especially when shooting outdoors. Diesel gensets produce inherently loud sounds that carry over long distances and can penetrate walls. “In Singapore, especially if the shoot runs late, people will complain and the production has to be stopped.” Not to forget, the complex machine is also carbon-intensive due to the burning of fossil fuels when its engine runs.
To solve this, Peh pondered. Could there be a better — and quieter — solution? This led him to China, where major manufacturers specialise in making batteries for cellphones. Peh approached them, wondering whether they could electrify generators. The result was giant portable batteries capable of powering a wide range of applications, from individual electrical appliances to open-air events, construction sites, and even entire off-grid communities.
Energy shift
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As pioneers in integrating these systems into Singapore, GoRental Global has since supported more than 200 events on the island and has now begun powering similar functions in neighbouring nations. These are mostly “unplugged” outdoor affairs, such as camping, festivals and marathons, that utilise mobile equipment. On the critical end, the company has supported fundamental processes such as Singapore’s 2018 General Elections and even military-related projects in Sarawak. GoRental Global products can also be found at airports, supplying electricity to scanners, thermal cameras and kiosks.
Attaining a quieter solution was not the only requirement prioritised by Peh and the team. Safety was equally fundamental. Compared with lead-acid batteries, modern variations are built with smart management systems. As the “brain” of the pack, built-in computers guarantee safe operation of the devices by regulating the flow of electricity. Channelling a majority of funds into research and development, GoRental Global collaborated with leading manufacturers and relevant authorities, such as the fire department, to ensure the patented designs complied with regulatory requirements. For instance, in the rare case that the pack catches fire, a pin activates a black mass that wraps around the battery, preventing oxygen from entering or leaving. Hence, no combustion will occur.
The units are available in different sizes and can be stacked up according to individual needs. Peh compares this to stacking Lego bricks, an inspiration that came to him while observing his daughter playing with the toys. On the other hand, affordability is present both financially and temporally — features that are becoming even more vital as the price of power surges alongside current economic conditions and fuel prices. At GoRental Global, a standard model is priced at only $19.90, though average rental rates can vary on a case-by-case basis.
As the famous adage goes — time is money. While traditional gensets take about 90 seconds to start, these modular gadgets achieve near-zero instantaneous switchover. In labour-intensive sectors such as construction and palm oil plantations, workers can reduce costs by using hybrid systems rather than relying solely on diesel. “Instead of running a genset for ten hours, they can use it for two while charging the battery and then use the latter for the remaining eight hours,” explains Peh.
Another factor that sets GoRental Global apart is its framework. “People know us as a brand that offers solutions and impact,” Peh declares. Beyond batteries, the business is all about bringing clean energy straight to doorsteps. Like tow trucks on the road, 90% of the company’s service involves responding to demands arising from both planned and unplanned power outages in Singapore. For those staying in apartments and even for outlets in shopping lots, access to gensets is limited. Every year, the team handles up to 700 requests, each calling for a unique use of the battery packs. Interestingly, Peh notices many households use the units to power fish tanks and refrigerators.
The founder recalls receiving a plea from a young girl living in a subsidised space with her grandmother, who was in the final stage of care. A blackout left the child scrambling to keep the bedridden devices on. Although she could not afford the service, the team delivered the unit to her anyway. “A week later, she drew us a beautiful card and I realised we could do something bigger,” reflects Peh. “This is not what we initially planned to do, but I feel that it is what the market actually needs.”
Giving back
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Through its Power to Empower movement, GoRental Global has explored various avenues to promote the use of self-reliant, sustainable energy. Recently, the company executed its first outreach programme in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The initiative saw modular energy systems being delivered to a remote community. Overall, 60 solar panels and 31 portable battery units were deployed, supplying electricity to 29 households.
Located in the mountains, Huay Nam Rin struggles to access basic water, transportation and electricity. To reach the rural village, four-wheel drives are needed to navigate the steep, rocky path. Families rely on agriculture, farming chrysanthemum and passionfruit. Within wooden walls, multiple bodies crowd under the same roof. Being isolated from the main power grid often leads to energy poverty. For the natives of Huay Nam Rin, this has been an ongoing challenge for over 30 years. Residents, mostly elderly and young, rely on flashlights to light their nights and protect themselves from wild animals.
Through a non-governmental organisation, GoRental Global got in contact with the village chief, Kriangkrai Suya. He attests that being able to rely on practical energy will both strengthen and upskill his community. “People here will have a better life and children will be able to study. It will also help us with dangers around the house,” he notes. Peh adds that improved living conditions will help to preserve culture and traditions, as people will be more likely to stay.
At the forefront, the new systems will enable villagers to access basic needs — lights, rice cookers, and chargers for electronic devices being among the most essential. In particular, GoRental Global’s Nomad Series is constructed to capture solar energy during the day and provide stored energy after dark. With the ability to power an entire household, the downstream impact of a single unit extends beyond infrastructure and commercialisation. “For those in need, you can get 15 years of power for a fraction of the cost,” Peh illustrates. “With film and the media, it is more of a transactional business. Coming into the power segment of the market, I think there is a lot that can be done for the betterment of society.”
Speaking with a smile, the bright-eyed man is adamant about the mission — to raise awareness of the needs and benefits of decentralised energy systems. He is hopeful and plans to spread the movement to other Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Nevertheless, Peh emphasises that one does not need to go far to make a “powerful” impact. Across both cities and villages, energy resilience is a prominent issue, even in grid-stable areas. Families, individuals and businesses can all benefit from mobile batteries and clean power systems. “Beyond sustainability, we also provide convenience,” highlights Peh.
As urbanites take to camping or “glamping” for a digital detox, surroundings can be made more comfortable with the help of chosen modern-day appliances — bring along a mini air conditioner, a fan, or even an air fryer without having to worry about plug points. From a creative perspective, artists and musicians can utilise the devices for continuous connectivity throughout their performance sets.
In retrospect, though the journey has been challenging, Peh optimistically looks towards the future. He acknowledges that it is natural for consumers to be sceptical and hesitant to embrace change, as with all new commodities. “It was hard to get others to believe in the first Apple product or the first electric vehicle. Once other platforms started selling it and the ball started rolling, people said ‘why not, let’s give it a try,’” he shares.
The deployed units store solar energy during the day and provide electricity at night
To further spread knowledge on sustainable energy and demonstrate the multiple ways it can be used, GoRental Global will soon launch its first energy experience gallery in Johor Bahru. In parallel, the company is also planning to expand its philanthropic initiative to Malaysian households.
As the world continues to plug into new power paradigms every day, Peh asserts that the core is to help others, no matter how much technology progresses. “Later on, it might not be batteries anymore, but hybrid. Despite everything, it is still about energy that is affordable and self-reliant.” Calling for more partnerships among key stakeholders, private entities, and those on the ground, he believes that to uplift one another, attention should shift from “hardware” to “heartware.” For now, a heavy-duty, disturbance-free power bank is definitely a worthy investment as the global energy transition shifts to embrace electrification.
