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Eaton celebrates Arecibo microgrid project; champions “robust energy infrastructure”

April 3, 2024 – Calling it the “first-of-its-kind clean energy project”, Eaton has officially cut the ribbon on the microgrid project at its Arecibo, Puerto Rico, facility, which will both power manufacturing and support the regional grid.

The microgrid system incorporates 5 MWac solar PV, approximately 1.1 MW of battery storage, and existing onsite generators. The project will generate more than half of the facility’s energy needs, helping to reduce emissions, offset energy costs, and provide resilience during grid outage events.

“The projects at our Arecibo manufacturing facility provide a blueprint on how to put the energy transition to work […]” said Mike Yelton, president, Americas Region, Electrical Sector. “Together with our long-time project partner Enel North America, we’re demonstrating the important role microgrids play in creating a robust energy infrastructure […]”

Enel North America built, owns, and operates the microgrid system on behalf of Eaton, financing the project under an EaaS (energy-as-a-service) model. Eaton provided installation expertise and technologies.

The microgrid is designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane-force winds and provides added value in normal grid-connected operations by generating renewable energy that can be consumed, stored, and delivered back to the local grid.

“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,” said Matt Barnes, head of distributed energy solutions, Enel North America.

Eaton also implemented efficiency measures using its power management technologies, further reducing its energy footprint. The company is driving a 45% reduction in energy consumption at the plant, cutting emissions by 7100 tonnes annually and reducing costs by nearly 20%.

“We have ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions both within our operations and for our customers,” said Harold Jones, chief sustainability officer and executive vice-president, Eaton Business System. “And you can see here in Puerto Rico, we’re finding creative and powerful solutions to make it happen.”

Eaton and Enel North America are initiating construction of a second microgrid at Eaton’s Las Piedras manufacturing facility to further strengthen energy resilience in Puerto Rico.