On Wednesday, 17 July, SAMPOL inaugurated an innovative hybrid renewable microgrid in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, integrating cogeneration, battery storage and an existing photovoltaic system, designed for
Johnson & Johnson.
The plant integrates heat and electricity to achieve maximum efficiency, providing significant cost savings due to its high profitability. Additionally, it guarantees uninterrupted power supply, even in the event of extreme weather conditions or grid failures.
The system is a microgrid consisting of two high-efficiency Bergen Engines natural gas generators with a total capacity of 6.8 MW. A heat recovery system produces steam and hot water for Johnson & Johnson’s operations. It also includes a 2 MW battery storage system to ensure uninterrupted operation of both the main facilities and the microgrid, and will integrate an existing solar plant in the future.
As part of our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and advancing the energy transition, this plant will achieve a 46% reduction in emissions, preventing the release of 21,500 tonnes of CO2 per year. The plant was designed, financed and built by SAMPOL, which will also operate it for the next eight years.
During the inauguration, Juan Antonio Vicens, SAMPOL’s Energy Director, reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to clean energy production and the consolidation of its presence in Puerto Rico. He also expressed his hope that this would be the first of many projects with Johnson & Johnson.
Also in attendance at the event were Ileana Quiñones, Vice President and General Manager of Janssen Supply Chain at Johnson & Johnson; Luis Román, Vice President and Global Head of Centre Services and Supply Chain at Johnson & Johnson; Manuel Cidre, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico; and Pedro Costa, Senior Director of Government Affairs/Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson North America, LATAM and the Caribbean.
