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Market Overview

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The North American power rental market size, valued at USD 4.49 billion in 2022, is projected to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.24%. The increased expenditure by the government on electrification, infrastructure development, and the demand for power generation equipment during power outages have contributed to the growing acceptance and need for rental equipment in the North American market.

The North American equipment rental market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. Factors such as significant government spending on infrastructure, the shifting job market leading to population redistribution and an increase in remote and hybrid work opportunities, the younger generation’s acceptance of sharing and rental housing models, the complexity of power equipment, and the environmentally friendly aspects of renting have all contributed to the rising demand for power equipment. These factors indicate a long-term shift from ownership to renting power equipment.

In Canada, the Federal Government has taken steps to promote investment tax credits for hydrogen, storage, and net-zero technologies, driving investments towards clean energy sources. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide USD 285 million in grants and loans through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for infrastructure development projects in rural areas, including renewable energy systems and energy-efficient farm equipment. The Department of Energy (DOE) of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) aims to distribute USD 8.8 billion in refunds to Tribes and states for home energy efficiency and electrification projects through the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, the US Department of Transportation has allocated USD 1.5 billion in grant funding for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program in 2023.

Canada has announced a program worth USD 964 million to support smart renewable energy and grid modernization projects, including wind, solar, storage, hydro, geothermal, and tidal. The country’s Strengthened Climate Plan includes an investment of USD 300 million over five years to ensure that rural, remote, and Indigenous communities relying on diesel power can transition to clean and reliable energy sources by 2030. Regulations such as CSA B139 apply to diesel generators in Canada, along with regional requirements like Ontario’s TSSA code for generators.

Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) Program has allocated USD 1.56 billion toward smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve a net-zero economy by 2050, with 100% net zero electricity by 2035. The Canadian federal government’s 2030 Emission Reduction Plan supports local power solutions and community-driven projects to enhance energy resilience for future generations, contributing to the North American power rental market.

In the United States, nearly USD 2 billion will be invested in infrastructure development programs across rural areas until 2026, targeting highways, bridges, tunnels, and highway safety issues. These projects will improve access to agricultural, commercial, energy, and freight facilities, benefiting the economy and transportation services in rural regions. Furthermore, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada announced an investment of approximately USD 3 million from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program for the Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC) Network, a capacity-building program for Indigenous leadership in renewable energy and electrification sectors.

Severe storms, like the one that occurred in Quebec between December 23 and December 25, 2022, where winds reached 110km/hr in major parts of the province, have led to an increase in power outages and the demand for rental power generation equipment in the North American market. During this particular storm, around 7,500 outages affected approximately 640,000 people, leaving 380,000 homes without electricity. It took approximately 63 hours to restore 85% of the electricity supply.

Extreme weather events in 2020 resulted in 1.33 billion outage hours, a 70% increase compared to 2019, costing the U.S. economy about USD 150 billion annually according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Market surveys conducted across various sectors indicate that a four-hour power disruption can cost individual businesses between USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 on average.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted certification to Caterpillar’s fast reaction natural-gas generator sets for emergency and non-emergency situations. These generator sets can be equipped with emissions-reduction technologies that limit NOx levels to as low as 0.5 g/bhp-hr without after-treatment. As companies focus on environmental, social, and governance goals, natural-gas generator sets are becoming increasingly attractive for standby power solutions. Aggreko has also introduced Tier 4 Final-compliant generators in its fleet, ranging from 25 kW to 1200 kW, to meet the constricted emissions regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States and Canada. These generators can operate using conventional fuels such as diesel or alternative fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), resulting in a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions per gallon of fuel.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including fuel, power rating, equipment, end-user, application, and geography.

Segmentation By Fuel
Natural Gas
Diesel
Others (Propane, Hydrogen, Renewable Sources)

Segmentation By Power Rating
>75KVA
75-375KVA
375-1,000KVA
Above 1,000 KVA

Segmentation By Equipment
Generators
Load Banks
Transformers
Others

Segmentation By End-User
Construction
Retail
Oil & Gas
Mining
Events
Utilities
IT & Data Center
Manufacturing
Others

Segmentation By Application
Standby
Continuous
Peak Shaving

Diesel is the most preferred and widely used fuel in the market due to its high reliability. As a result, the diesel segment is expected to experience the highest incremental growth opportunity in the coming years. This preference for diesel over other fuels is attributed to its proven reliability. However, there is a growing interest in alternative fuels as well. The other fuels segment is gaining traction, driven by the increasing use of renewable energy sources for power generation and the desire to embrace clean energy practices while minimizing carbon emissions.

The surge in natural gas production is another significant factor in the market. This increase is primarily due to heightened drilling activities in the Haynesville Shale, a dry natural gas formation in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas, as well as in the Permian region in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. The expansion of pipeline infrastructure in these regions has facilitated higher levels of natural gas production.

Within the power rental market, the above 1,000 KVA segment remains dominant and offers the highest incremental growth opportunity. This is driven by the rising demand for continuous power in industries such as mining, manufacturing, oil & gas, and petroleum refining. Furthermore, the Canadian government’s Affordable Housing Scheme, which aims to construct 3.5 million housing units by 2030, will boost the demand for power equipment and drive growth in the <75 KVA segment. Generators hold the largest share in the market as the need for backup power has increased due to growing reliance on electricity and ongoing energy transitions. The generators segment is expected to witness the highest incremental growth, particularly because of power outages caused by unpredictable weather patterns. In November 2022, the US and the UAE announced the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), a collaboration aimed at developing low-emission energy sources and distributing 100 gigawatts of clean energy worldwide by 2035. The construction sector is poised for significant growth opportunities as federal governments across North America plan various infrastructure projects. In the US, metropolitan areas are expected to receive half of the funds, with rural areas receiving the other half. Projects located in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities will be eligible for up to 100% federal cost sharing as specified by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, a minimum of $15 million in funding is guaranteed for these projects. The continuous power rental segment is expected to witness the highest incremental growth compared to other segments due to the increasing demand for power generation equipment in industrial applications. To meet this demand, HIPOWER SYSTEMS has introduced new models to its Heavy Duty Industrial Natural Gas (HNI) Series. Specifically designed for installations that require standby generators, such as data management, healthcare, and construction, these models offer natural gas ratings ranging from 80 kW to 150 kW, supporting stationary low voltage applications.

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Competitive Landscape

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United Rentals, Sunbelt, Aggreko, Herc Rentals, Atlas Copco, Caterpillar, Cummins, and Kohler power are the major players in the North America power rental market. In 2022, United Rentals made a significant announcement regarding its acquisition of Ahern Rentals Inc., a family-owned company, for approximately USD 2.0 billion.

When considering the market share of the North America power rental industry, it is noteworthy that the top four prominent vendors, namely United Rentals, Sunbelt, Aggreko, and Herc Rentals, collectively account for 74% of the market share.

Key companies profiled in this report include United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, Aggreko, Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, Cummins Inc., KOHLER, Generac, APR Energy, H&E Equipment Services, Sunstate Equipment, Home Depot Rental.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the size of the power rental market in North America?

The power rental market in North America had a value of USD 4.49 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2029.

What is the growth rate of the power rental market in North America?

The power rental market in North America is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.24% from 2022 to 2029.

What are some notable trends in the power rental market in North America?

Two significant trends in the North America power rental market are the increasing demand for generator equipment due to the aging of existing installations and the market disturbances caused by carbon taxation.

Which fuel type is expected to dominate the power rental market in North America?

In the North America power rental market, the diesel fuel type is projected to dominate. This dominance is expected to continue due to high demand from industries with large-scale operations.

Who are the key vendors in the power rental industry in North America?

The key vendors in the North America power rental industry include United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, Aggreko, Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, Cummins Inc., and KOHLER.