Delivering Solar CCTV Systems in demanding locations.
Can you provide some background information on Sunstone Systems?
Sunstone Systems began in 2011 as a solutions integrator, working with leading blue-chip organisations to deploy security and telecommunications technology. However, we quickly recognised a significant market gap for reliable, off-grid power solutions in hostile and remote environments, such as the Solar CCTV System. This realisation led to our evolution into an OEM manufacturer in the clean energy space. We design and build specialised systems that use renewable energy to power surveillance solutions for critical sectors, including oil & gas, defence, highways, rail, and critical national infrastructure (CNI). This journey culminated in our acquisition by WJ Group, the UK’s largest road marking and highways safety company. Now operating as WJ Sunstone, we combine our deep technical expertise with WJ Group’s extensive resources and market reach, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable, off-grid technology.
How did Sunstone Systems begin working with Axis and what does the partnership mean?
The partnership is so critical because Axis’s commitment to innovation perfectly complements our focus on developing robust, field-ready hardware. Axis is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and their advancements in technology, such as affordable radar and thermal imaging cameras, have enabled us to incorporate sophisticated capabilities that were once cost-prohibitive. What truly sets Axis apart is their meticulous attention to detail and quality. They don’t just provide technology; they work collaboratively with us to understand specific problems and co-develop a bespoke solution. This close-knit partnership ensures our integrated systems are not only high-performing but also meet the rigorous demands of our clients’ unique environments.
You are currently involved in a significant project with an oil company in Kazakhstan. What have been the main challenges that WJ Sunstone has faced in this environment?
Our work in Kazakhstan with Chevron and Tengizchevroil (TCO) has been one of our most demanding and rewarding projects. The Tengiz oil field is one of the world’s deepest and most challenging production sites, presenting three key environmental hurdles:
- Power and Connectivity: The immense remoteness of the site meant that running power and data cables from the nearest city was completely unfeasible, both economically and logistically. Our solar and communications systems were the only viable solution to provide continuous, reliable power and network connectivity.
- Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: The climate is continental, with summer highs soaring to 50°C and winter lows plummeting to -40°C. Any technology deployed must be designed to function reliably across this 90-degree range.
- Highly Corrosive Atmosphere: The environment is rich in hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a highly corrosive gas that rapidly degrades unprotected materials. To counter this, our Solar CCTV System (SICS) is constructed from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, which is highly resistant to such corrosion. The Axis cameras we integrate also have a specialized anti-corrosion coating.
You have been implementing sustainable security systems for this project that utilise renewable energy. Can you describe how the technology has been beneficial?
We built and deployed 58 Solar CCTV Systems for the Kazakhstan project. The benefits of this approach are multifaceted and go far beyond just providing power.
- Reliability: The efficiency of modern solar panels is constantly improving while the power consumption of cameras and other devices is simultaneously decreasing. This creates a perfect synergy for off-grid applications, ensuring our systems can operate reliably 24/7, all year round, even in challenging conditions.
- Cost Efficiency and Logistics: Our solutions completely eliminate the need for expensive and disruptive trenching, cabling, and civil engineering work. A single SICS unit can be deployed and operational in under an hour, resulting in significant savings and reduced project timelines.
- Environmental Responsibility: Our systems are 100% powered by renewable energy, helping clients reduce their carbon footprint and meet ambitious global emissions targets. For instance, each of our SICS units can save an estimated one tonne of CO2e per year, a compelling figure for environmentally conscious organisations.
You’ve incorporated several Axis solutions for this project – can you explain which technologies were chosen, and why?
We have two core systems that feature Axis technology. For large-scale surveillance, we use the Solar CCTV System (SICS), which is typically equipped with Axis’s Q60 Series PTZ cameras. These cameras are chosen for their exceptional image clarity over long ranges, a critical feature for monitoring vast, open areas like an oil field. Their robust, ruggedized design is also essential for a hostile environment.
For our smaller Autonomous Remote Communication System (ARC System), we use fixed Axis Bullet cameras from the M20 to Q17 series. Both camera types offer easy plug-and-play capabilities and a high-quality light capture, making them easy to integrate and reliable for a range of tasks, from video surveillance to monitoring IoT sensors.
Axis prides itself on continuously striving for new ways to innovate for a smarter safer world. Are there learnings from your use of Axis technologies that can be applied to future projects?
The successful deployment of our patented systems in one of the most hostile environments on Earth has given us the ultimate confidence that our technology can perform anywhere. It’s a powerful testament to the quality and durability of Axis solutions. The collaborative learning process with the Axis team has been invaluable, as they have supported us in understanding the complexities of delivering such a solution.
This expertise is directly translatable to other sectors. For example, our experience in Kazakhstan led directly to a major highways project in the UK with National Highways. While the environmental challenges are less extreme, the need for rapid deployment, off-grid power, and reliable, high-quality surveillance for traffic management and safety is the same. The learnings from one complex project are empowering us to deliver innovative solutions across diverse global markets.