Aemetis, a producer of renewable natural gas and renewable fuels, announced it has selected and signed definitive agreements with SunPower and Schneider Electric for a grid-connected solar microgrid composed of an almost 2-MW solar array and a 1.25-MW battery energy storage system that will be integrated with an AI-driven distributed control system at the Aemetis Advanced Fuels biorefinery in Keyes, California.
In addition to designing and supplying the photovoltaic solar system, SunPower will serve as the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
A microgrid is a local renewable energy grid with control capability, allowing it to disconnect from the traditional power grid and operate autonomously. The microgrid system is powered by solar energy with battery storage to maximize the value of the electricity and extend hours of power supply. The microgrid creates energy resiliency and will assist with off peak shaving and energy efficiency at the company’s low-carbon ethanol and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) upgrading and injection facility in Keyes, California
The new AI-enabled control system will run on virtualized servers, reducing the amount of computer hardware by 80%, which will require less power to operate than traditional systems. Virtualized systems do not require changing hardware to upgrade obsolescent operating systems or security changes. The virtual environment will also help reduce planned and unplanned downtime.
“At a time when the transportation industry is driving to meet sustainability goals and reduce emissions, solar continues to become a bigger part of our daily lives with innovative solutions that help improve our air quality,” said Eric Potts, executive VP for commercial at SunPower. “SunPower is proud to work with Aemetis to utilize the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which drives renewable options for their operations and is helping the transportation sector decarbonize across the west. We applaud Aemetis for their leadership and leveraging the power of the sun.”
The $12 million solar microgrid, battery backup and AI-enabled energy system is supported by an $8 million grant awarded to Aemetis by the California Energy Commission.
