Enel North America, a leading clean energy company, and Eaton, an intelligent power management firm, have announced the successful completion of Puerto Rico’s largest clean energy microgrid. Located at Eaton’s circuit breaker manufacturing facility in Arecibo, the system combines a 5-megawatt (MWac) solar system with a 1.1 MW battery and existing onsite generators. By generating and storing clean energy independently from the external power grid, the microgrid significantly reduces the facility’s carbon footprint, enhances energy resilience, and fortifies community infrastructure.
Matt Barnes, head of distributed energy solutions at Enel North America, emphasized the growing importance of sustainable energy practices, particularly in the face of worsening climate change impacts. Barnes stated, “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.” He highlighted the urgency of deploying microgrids, especially in regions with vulnerable electrical infrastructure, and emphasized Enel’s commitment to delivering clean and flexible energy systems.
The solar system is anticipated to generate nearly 10 GWh of renewable energy annually, avoiding approximately 7,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year and reducing costs by nearly 20%. Eaton’s sustainability efforts at its Arecibo facility are part of the company’s broader initiative aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions across its operations by 2030.
Mike Yelton, president of the Americas Region, Electrical Sector at Eaton, underscored the importance of sustainable and resilient power solutions for communities and businesses. Yelton stated, “The projects at our Arecibo manufacturing facility provide a blueprint on how to put the energy transition to work—delivering important benefits for the community and our business.” He highlighted the critical role microgrids play in creating a robust energy infrastructure prepared to address the impacts of climate change.
Juan Saca, president and CEO of LUMA, Puerto Rico’s T&D operator, expressed support for initiatives promoting clean energy and energy efficiency. Saca affirmed LUMA’s commitment to building a cleaner, more reliable, and resilient electric grid and commended companies like Eaton and Enel for their leadership in championing sustainable energy practices.
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, reducing stress on the island’s utility infrastructure. Eaton and Enel have initiated construction of a second microgrid at Eaton’s Las Piedras manufacturing facility to further enhance energy resilience in Puerto Rico.
Enel North America built, owns, and operates the system on behalf of Eaton, financing the project under an energy-as-a-service model. Eaton provided installation expertise and key technologies for the microgrid system, including its Power Xpert microgrid solutions and leading power distribution equipment.
