INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
Enel X and Eaton Partner for microgrid development in Puerto Rico
Enel X to deploy a solar and storage-based microgrid at Eaton manufacturing facility to reduce environmental impact and support energy resilience for one of Puerto Rico ’ s largest employers .
Enel X , the Enel Group ’ s advanced
energy services business line , and power management company Eaton , have announced plans for microgrid development in Puerto Rico .
The initial project will incorporate onsite solar generation and battery storage at Eaton ’ s Arecibo plant , which manufactures circuit breakers used in homes , buildings and a range of industrial applications .
The microgrid will enable Eaton to reduce its carbon footprint and demand on local energy infrastructure while improving energy resilience . The project will also enable Eaton to share clean energy back onto Puerto Rico ’ s electrical grid during periods of excess generation .
“ We continue to see the severe impact of the climate crisis , from wildfires in the west to more frequent and powerful hurricanes in the Atlantic , underscoring the need for more sustainable , more resilient energy solutions ,” said Surya Panditi , Head of Enel X North America .
“ Enel X ’ s agreement with Eaton further expands the collaboration between two leading global energy companies that share a vision for sustainability and fighting climate change .
“ This project leverages each company ’ s technology and expertise to deliver innovative solutions that will help transform Puerto Rico ’ s electric grid and provide its facilities with the energy resiliency it needs to maintain operations during grid outages . We are excited to work with Eaton on this microgrid project and continue to identify opportunities for further collaboration going forward .”
Under the terms of the agreement , Enel X will build , own and operate the system on behalf of Eaton . Eaton will provide the installation expertise and key technology for the microgrid system , which includes its leading microgrid controller and balance of plant electrical distribution equipment . The new microgrid will enable Eaton to generate , store and consume renewable energy , and deliver it back to the local grid while reducing stress on regional utility infrastructure .
“ This state-of-the-art microgrid project demonstrates our focus on accelerating the energy transition and helping customers and communities unlock a low-carbon energy future ,” said Brian Brickhouse , President of Eaton ’ s Electrical Sector , America ’ s region .
“ We selected Enel X as our partner in Puerto Rico to help us provide more sustainable and resilient power for the community and are evaluating additional opportunities in the region to provide a microgrid-as-a-service approach together . This project supports our enterprise-wide goal of carbon neutrality in our global operations by 2030 .”
Like all Enel X storage deployments , the microgrid project will utilize Enel X ’ s Distributed Energy Resources ( DER ) optimization software , and its unique capabilities to maximize the value of the project across multiple applications , including on bill savings , incentive programs and grid services . p
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