The project will generate more than half of the facility’s energy needs. The microgrid incorporates 5 MWac solar PV and approximately 1.1 MW of battery storage and existing onsite generators. The site will generate 10 GWh of energy annually, Eaton said.

Eaton highlighted the size of the clean energy microgrid system deployed with Enel, which the companies called a “first” in Puerto Rico. In addition to powering Eaton’s manufacturing facility, the microgrid will also support the regional power grid, the companies said. Eaton also implemented efficiency measures using its intelligent power management technologies to reduce its energy footprint.

“In our administration, we continue to focus on Puerto Rico’s energy transformation that promotes increased renewable energy generation,” said Governor Pedro Pierluisi. “I congratulate Eaton for continuing to invest in Puerto Rico and supporting this transformation with the building of a clean energy microgrid that will provide them with energy resiliency, while also reducing their carbon footprint. This is the type of project that we are working to see replicated throughout the island.”

Enel North America built, owns, and operates the system on behalf of Eaton. Enel North America financed the project under an energy-as-a-service model, shifting Eaton’s investment in the microgrid system from a capital to an operational expense. Eaton provided installation knowledge and technologies for the microgrid system, including its Power Xpert microgrid solutions and power distribution equipment. 

“As the impacts of climate change worsen, large energy users are stepping up to power their facilities sustainably,” said Matt Barnes, head of distributed energy solutions at Enel North America. “Enel is proud to partner with Eaton in building a future for manufacturing that reaches beyond facility walls to support energy resiliency for the broader community. The urgency to deploy microgrids—especially in regions with vulnerable electrical infrastructure—has never been greater, and Enel is delivering the clean and flexible systems that the energy transition requires.”

Originally published in Renewable Energy World.

HSGS-Ameresco was awarded a contract to install a microgrid at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the Department of Defense’s largest open-air military test facility in New Mexico.

The microgrid is expected to provide power to energize the water wells at the military test facility. It would include a 700 KW PV solar array, a 500 KW natural gas generator and a 500 KW battery energy storage system.

HSGS-Ameresco said the system can provide two weeks of power in the event of a power outage, and to support critical missions at the Army Research Lab, Material Test Directorate, fire department, and a Fort Bliss power projection platform.

The scope of the project also includes updated electrical panels, transformers and controls, a fiber optic communication line, a fire alarm system, meters, cyber security measures, anti-terrorism measures and security fencing.

HSGS-Ameresco is expected to provide all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, supplies and transportation to construct the microgrid.

We’re excited to share that HSGS-Ameresco has been awarded a contract to construct a #microgrid for @WSMissileRange in New Mexico. See details here: https://t.co/E53pVFB60J pic.twitter.com/TUNDhv1Ep8

— Ameresco, Inc. (@Ameresco) August 25, 2022

Construction is set to begin in December 2022 and is expected to reach completion by late 2023.

The 3,200 square-mile White Sands Missile Range supports the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as commercial and international users on a reimbursable basis while conducting more than 3,000 tests annually.