Eaton, known for its production of electrical and hydraulic components, recently inaugurated in Puerto Rico the most extensive energy microgrid in the region. This initiative will enable them to enjoy a 20% savings in the cost of electricity consumption at their Arecibo facilities, and plans are underway to extend these benefits to their Las Piedras plant.
The project, which successfully culminated last Tuesday, represents the company’s first sustainable energy effort on the island, incorporating a infrastructure capable of producing 5 MW of solar photovoltaic power and over 1.1 MW of storage capacitywhich translates into about 10 gigawatt hours per year.
[post_relacionado]Located in the industrial zone of the Santana neighborhood, the facility has been designed for withstand Category 5 hurricane windsThe company has promised to reduce the Arecibo plant’s energy consumption by 45%, which represents a decrease of close to 20% in electricity costs and a decrease of about 7,100 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.. The total cost of the project has not been disclosed.
Power microgrid crucial to Eaton’s objective
Mike Yelton, president of Eaton’s Americas Region power sector, highlighted the collaboration with Enel North America on this project, emphasizing the crucial role of microgrids in strengthening energy infrastructure in the face of climate change. climate change . This microgrid is a step towards Eaton’s goal of halving its carbon emissions by 2030.
Matt Barnes of Enel North America noted the growing importance of microgrids, especially in areas with vulnerable electricity infrastructure, as essential in the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. Juan Saca, president of LUMA Energy, expressed his hope that more industrial customers in Puerto Rico will follow the example of Eaton and Enel North America.
Enel North America, which will operate the microgrid for Eaton, has financed the project under an energy-as-a-service model, facilitating Eaton’s shift from an equity to an operating investment. In addition, the facility features advanced technology and Power Xpert microgrid solutions provided by Eaton.
The mayor of Arecibo, Carlos Ramírez Irizarry, affirmed that this project positions Arecibo as a leader in renewable energy in Puerto Rico. The company also announced plans to develop a second clean energy system for clean energy at its manufacturing plant in Las Piedras, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and energy transformation on the island.
Manuel Cidre Miranda, from the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in the democratization of energy and the positioning of Puerto Rico as an attractive business destination. Eaton’s microgrid joins the trend of industries in Puerto Rico opting to generate their own energy due to the inefficiency of the local electric service.
This project not only reflects a significant advance in the energy autonomy of industrial operations in Puerto Rico, but also serves as a replicable model that could inspire other regions susceptible to natural disasters to invest in resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, thus fostering a global transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources.
Don’t miss any of our posts and follow us on social media!
Inspenet.com YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X
Source: elnuevodia.com
Photo: shutterstock