Assessing the power requirements of large-scale industrial spaces

At a glance

• Ensure your industrial space can support both current operations and future growth.
• Adequate power infrastructure increases property value and tenant satisfaction.
• Underestimating power needs can lead to expensive upgrades or operational inefficiencies.
• Plan for rising energy demands with renewable solutions and expert forecasting from Just Commercial.
• Just Commercial helps businesses find power-ready properties in Melbourne’s South East.

 

 

In the fast-paced world of industrial real estate, one factor can make or break your business: power capacity. Imagine moving into a new industrial facility, only to realise that your operations are constantly interrupted by power issues, or worse, that you can’t expand your operations without massive infrastructure upgrades. Power requirements aren’t just an afterthought; they are a critical element that could directly influence your operational efficiency, long-term growth, and even the value of your investment.

At Just Commercial, we understand the importance of power requirements in industrial spaces, and we are committed to helping businesses navigate this complex but essential aspect of leasing and purchasing industrial properties.

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can assess the power requirements of large-scale industrial spaces and why it’s so vital to your business.

 

Why Power Matters in Large-Scale Industrial Spaces

 

Power is the lifeblood of industrial operations. Whether you’re running advanced manufacturing equipment, maintaining cold storage warehouses, or supporting logistics automation, the right power infrastructure is critical to your facility’s success. But it’s not just about meeting today’s needs—it’s also about planning for future growth.

 

How Power Requirements Impact Property Value and Investment

 

From a property perspective, power capabilities directly impact the value of your industrial space. Potential tenants and buyers place immense value on properties that offer not only sufficient power, but also the flexibility to expand operations. Businesses that require energy-intensive machinery or high-capacity HVAC systems will shy away from properties that can’t meet those demands.

A well-powered property also ensures tenant satisfaction. For owners, leasing a property that can handle robust power demands can lead to long-term tenant retention and higher rents. For tenants, moving into a space with adequate power means fewer disruptions, lower energy costs, and the ability to scale up quickly.

 

What Are Power Requirements in Industrial Spaces?

 

Defining Power Requirements for Industrial Properties

 

When we talk about power requirements, we’re referring to the amount of electrical power needed to support all the operational activities in an industrial space. This varies widely depending on the nature of the business. For example, a heavy manufacturing plant may require significantly more power than a storage warehouse or logistics facility.

Industrial power needs are influenced by several factors, including:

• Machinery and equipment: Factories with large machinery need high electrical capacity to operate safely and efficiently.
• Lighting systems: Large industrial spaces often have extensive lighting needs, particularly in sectors like warehousing or distribution.
• HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in large spaces are power-hungry, especially in temperature-sensitive operations such as cold storage.
• Automation and robotics: More businesses are moving toward automation and AI-driven systems, increasing the demand for reliable, high-capacity power infrastructure.

 

Common Industries and Their Power Needs

 

Different industries have varying levels of power consumption. Here’s a quick look at how power needs differ by sector:

• Manufacturing: High-energy demand for large equipment, conveyors, and cooling systems.
• Logistics and Warehousing: Moderate power requirements for lighting, climate control, and automation.
• Data Centres: Extremely high power needs for servers, cooling systems, and security systems.

 

The Role of Power in Property Leasing and Purchasing Decisions

 

Power Capacity: A Critical Factor in Industrial Leasing and Sales

 

When businesses are scouting for a new industrial property, one of the most critical questions they should ask is: “What is the property’s power capacity?” If your business grows or your equipment becomes more advanced, will the property’s electrical infrastructure be able to handle the extra load?

Failing to properly assess power requirements can lead to:

• Operational inefficiencies: Your equipment may not work optimally without the right power support, causing downtime and loss of productivity.
• Costly upgrades: Retrofitting an industrial space to increase its power capacity can be extremely expensive, often involving digging up roads, replacing transformers, or upgrading the electrical grid.

 

Real-World Consequences of Underestimating Power Needs

 

There are numerous cases where businesses leased a property, only to realise that the power infrastructure was insufficient for their operations. In some instances, businesses were forced to move, incurring significant relocation costs. Others had to invest heavily in upgrading the electrical systems, which could have been avoided with a more thorough power assessment.

 

How to Assess Power Requirements for Your Industrial Space

 

Steps for Conducting a Power Assessment

 

Conducting a thorough power assessment is essential before committing to any industrial space. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Evaluate current operations: Understand how much power your current operations consume.
• Project future needs: Consider how your power needs will grow over the next few years based on your business expansion plans.
• Consult with experts: Work with professionals like electricians and energy consultants who can help assess whether the building’s electrical infrastructure can meet your demands.
• Leverage Just Commercial’s expertise: Our team can guide you through power assessments and connect you with the right professionals to ensure you make informed decisions.

 

Tools and Resources from Just Commercial

 

At Just Commercial, we offer our clients tools and resources to evaluate the power potential of a property. We help identify any limitations early on, so you can lease or purchase with confidence. Our extensive knowledge of the Melbourne industrial market means we can also forecast trends, ensuring your property remains viable as technology and energy demands evolve.

 

Future-Proofing Your Industrial Space for Power Needs

 

The Role of Technology in Increasing Power Demands

 

Technological advancements, such as automation, robotics, and AI, are reshaping the industrial landscape. These innovations, while essential for staying competitive, significantly increase energy consumption. Businesses must not only assess current needs but also plan for future technological integration.

 

Exploring Renewable Energy Options

 

One of the most promising strategies for future-proofing your industrial space is to integrate renewable energy solutions. Solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and intelligent energy management systems can offset your grid dependency and reduce long-term energy costs.

 

Navigating the Melbourne Market: Trends in Industrial Power Needs

 

Market Trends in South East Melbourne

 

Melbourne’s South East is experiencing a surge in demand for industrial spaces that offer robust power infrastructure. Industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing are driving this growth, and properties that can meet these high-energy needs are in high demand.

 

Just Commercial’s Forecasting Expertise

 

With our deep understanding of local market trends, Just Commercial helps you stay ahead of the curve. We monitor which industries are likely to experience growth, allowing us to advise you on which properties are best positioned to meet future power demands.

 

Finding the Right Property with Just Commercial

 

How Just Commercial Helps You Find Power-Ready Properties

 

At Just Commercial, we specialise in matching businesses with industrial properties that meet both current and future power requirements. Whether you’re a manufacturer needing heavy electrical infrastructure or a logistics provider requiring efficient lighting and HVAC systems, we’ll help you find the perfect space.

 

Conclusion: Powering Your Business for Success

 

Accurately assessing the power requirements of large-scale industrial spaces is a critical step in ensuring the long-term success of your business. At Just Commercial, we combine our deep understanding of the industrial property market with insights into operational needs, helping you find the ideal space for your current and future power demands.

If you’re looking for an industrial property in Melbourne’s South East, trust Just Commercial to guide you. Contact us today for personalised advice on finding a property that meets all your power and operational needs.