Enel North America completed a 2.7-MW solar and 1-MW/2-MWh energy storage system at Bayer’s vegetable research and development site in Woodland, California. Located in a region historically prone to rolling blackouts and grid disruptions, the solar + storage system will help increase Bayer’s energy and operational resilience, while also reducing its carbon footprint and demand on local energy infrastructure.
The California installation
The solar system is expected to generate approximately 5,100 MWh of renewable energy each year, enough to cover about 70% of the Woodland site’s energy needs. Any excess electricity generated during the day can be stored in the accompanying energy storage system for later use, like during peak demand hours when utility rates are highest, or shared back onto the local electrical grid. Stored electricity from the battery can be used during times of peak demand to minimize the amount of power drawn from the grid when energy rates are highest.
Bayer has a sustainability commitment of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, which includes converting 100% of purchased electricity to renewable energy sources. The hybrid system will use Enel’s Distributed Energy Resources Optimization Software.
“The growing prevalence of extreme weather and wildfires has underscored the need for more resilient energy solutions,” said Matt Barnes, head of distributed energy solutions at Enel North America. “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. We’re thrilled to work with a forward-thinking, innovative partner on this project and look forward to helping Bayer achieve its sustainability targets.”
Enel is the owner and operator of the solar + storage assets and has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Bayer, which will offtake 100% of the energy generated by the solar system. In addition to the solar + storage installation, Bayer has also signed an agreement with Enel’s e-mobility business to install eight electric vehicle chargers on-site in early 2024.
News item from Enel North America
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