In recent years, sustainable energy and connectivity provider Yurika has powered ahead, offering emerging and exciting new value propositions to the market. Its work in helping the Australian bus and coach industry members transition to zero-emission solutions is already making it a major player in the country’s green energy market.
As of September 2022, Yurika has seen more than 52,000 charging sessions and 910,000 kilowatts of energy delivered using green energy. This comes via the largest electric superhighway in Australia in the Queensland Electric Superhighway. As part of this, Yurika has quickly moved to be at the forefront of Australia’s electric charging infrastructure transition.
Yurika is part of Energy Queensland – the largest wholly government owned electricity company in Australia. The organisation has grown its national footprint rapidly, drawing upon more than 100 years of experience in generation, transmission and distribution power systems across Queensland.
Yurika Key Account Manager for electric vehicle (EV) products Bryn Somers says Yurika’s goals are clear when it comes to the bus and coach industry.
“We’re committed to delivering solutions that energise and connect communities in the market,” Somers told ABC.
“We are trusted nation-wide by leading organisations, governments and local councils to solve complex business challenges that operators face when looking to transition to green energy infrastructure at their depots.
“We listen to the needs of customers and use our resources and cutting-edge technology to find innovative solutions that overcome these challenges.”
Yurika has several specialist business units that work together to help deliver zero-emissions outcomes for customers. From energy and infrastructure services to metering, telecommunications, digital technology and energy supplies, the team works in an agile way to tailor-make solutions fit to meet the independent needs and challenges of each client.
Somers says Yurika begins each case by looking at what development is possible at an operator’s depot for zero-emissions charging infrastructure. It then designs and completes the product installation, quickly enabling operators to start their cleaner, greener journey.
In the design stage, Yurika completes individual site visits providing a variety of professional services, such as an energy financial analysis and electric design assessments. Once the physical location is investigated, the Yurika team begins looking at what supplies and equipment are needed to install the infrastructure. Once signage and safety equipment are onsite and ready, Somers says Yurika commissions the equipment installation.
After this process, Yurika also offers ongoing operation and maintenance services, which means it stays in touch with clients to maintain the infrastructure.
“We also provide several options for customers when it comes to metering or requests requiring greater levels of electric vehicle digital enablement,” Somers says. “This includes using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and new connectivity methods like 5G and mobile broadband connections to enhance the depot’s systems.”
Although Yurika is agnostic to its use of EV equipment, in 2021 it established a distribution arrangement with technology company Siemens. As part of this partnership, Siemens provides Yurika with access to a supply chain that helps serve a wide range of customers with both low-power and high-power electric charging infrastructure options.
Somers says this makes Yurika a stockist of the equipment on the shelf and allows it to assist customers in an agile and quick way to electrification goals by avoiding lead-times for network connection and bus charging equipment. At the same time, it also customises solutions as an agnostic provider for all types of equipment.While the sustainable energy and connectivity company services a range of different clients, its expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure services is most prevalent through the complexity of the large-scale Queensland Electric Superhighway. Working closely with the Queensland government, Yurika has constructed the electric vehicle charging infrastructure highway from the Queensland and New South Wales border up to Port Douglas, giving bus and coach operators in the area the chance to efficiently run new energy fleets for the long haul.
This project has involved fitting 62 chargers over a distance of 2,000 kilometres. Somers says Yurika is working with different local authorities and utility providers to meet planning requirements along main roads and is devising solutions that meet all requirements. While juggling these interests, Yurika is ensuring optimum value-for-money to help ensure the final highway installation is fit-for-purpose and future-proof.
Through these installations, Somers says Yurika plays an integral role in transitioning the Australian industry towards smarter transport solutions.
“From an energy operational perspective, we work with customers to understand their current energy usage and to explore various types of energy options,” Somers says. “This can include solar generation and battery energy storage systems, as well as time management for electric vehicle charging.
“This is then orchestrated to convert depots into meaningfully sustainable premises to support electrification aspirations.”
Yurika has grown quickly as a smart solution facilitator for bus and coach companies. Somers says Yurika has an eye to soon advance even more zero-emissions options for customers using a wider range of equipment.
“We have a strong focus on smart transport and a collective global focus on a net-zero carbon emissions future,” Somers says. “We’ll continue to do this by working with consumers and businesses in the Australian market to help them choose smart transport methods.
“The uptake of this infrastructure is growing rapidly, so we’re looking to lead the charge and pioneer the deployment of electric charging infrastructure and mobility in Australia.”