Enel North America, a leader in clean energy solutions, in collaboration with Bayer, has successfully finalized the installation of a 2.7 MW solar array accompanied by a 1 MW / 2 MWh energy storage system at Bayer’s vegetable research and development facility in Woodland, Calif. Positioned in an area historically susceptible to rolling blackouts and grid disturbances, this solar-plus-storage system is poised to bolster Bayer’s energy resilience while concurrently diminishing its carbon footprint and easing strain on local energy infrastructure.
The solar installation is anticipated to produce approximately 5,100 MWh of renewable energy annually, effectively meeting around 70% of the Woodland site’s energy requirements and mitigating roughly 44,732 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the project’s lifespan. Excess electricity generated during daylight hours will be stored in the accompanying energy storage system for later utilization or shared with the local grid. The stored energy can be drawn upon during peak demand periods, thereby reducing reliance on the grid during times of elevated energy rates and ultimately resulting in substantial cost savings for Bayer.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Bayer’s sustainability objectives, including its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and transition to 100% renewable energy sources for all purchased electricity.
Enrique Wehlen, Head of Sustainability, Safety, Health & Environments (SSHE) North America at Bayer, remarked, “With this new installation, the Woodland site is the most onsite solar-powered operation within Bayer globally,” underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The hybrid system will leverage Enel’s Distributed Energy Resources Optimization Software to optimize project performance across various applications, including on-bill savings, incentive programs, and grid services.
Matt Barnes, Head of Distributed Energy Solutions at Enel North America, emphasized the significance of resilient energy solutions in the face of escalating climate-related challenges, stating, “This project will not only increase Bayer’s energy resilience, but it will also help reduce demand on often-stressed local energy infrastructure, benefiting all energy users in the region.”
Enel assumes ownership and operation of the solar and battery storage assets under a 20-year power purchase agreement, with Bayer committing to off take 100% of the energy generated by the solar system.
In addition to the solar-plus-storage installation, Bayer has furthered its commitment to sustainable transportation by partnering with Enel’s e-mobility division to install eight electric vehicle chargers on-site, slated for completion in early 2024.
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