BHE Renewables and Titanium Metals Corporation (Timet), both companies under the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, are leading the forefront of renewable energy innovation, as a former aluminum smelter site is becoming home to a new metal fabrication plant that will be powered by a revolutionary solar microgrid.
Timet’s new facility will focus on titanium casting for aircraft parts and other industrial uses, with one notable peculiarity: its main energy source will come from an adjacent solar microgrid, also under development by BHE Renewables.
[post_relacionado]This project is a pioneer in the direct power supply of large industrial facilities through solar energy and advanced storage systems, projecting a future where heavy manufacturing can operate sustainably.
Dan Winters, vice president of communications for BHE Renewables, noted that this development not only addresses the plant’s energy needs with renewable sources, but also drives economic revitalization through clean energy manufacturing. With the smelter plant scheduled to begin operations later this year, it is anticipated that this model will become a standard for future industrial expansions, especially in critical sectors such as electric automotive and aerospace.
How will the solar microgrid work in the plant?
The microgrid will include solar panels with a maximum capacity of 106 MW and a battery system 50 MW battery system, using lithium iron phosphate technology. These innovations guarantee a constant and reliable energy supply, crucial for energy-intensive processes such as metal smelting.
The investment in this infrastructure represents a technological breakthrough that responds to a growing demand for titanium in the U.S., driven by the aerospace and defense industry. In addition, the implementation of cleaner and more energy-efficient production technologies is expected to contribute to the reduction of costs andCO2 emissions in titanium production, which has historically been an energy-intensive process.
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Source: BHE Renewables
Photo: shutterstock