In the United States (US), PowerSecure Inc., a leading provider of innovative energy solutions and a subsidiary of Southern Company, has announced that its Durham campus microgrid in North Carolina will begin a 100% Renewable Fuel Initiative starting this month.
The energy sector is rapidly evolving, driven by customer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental initiatives.
PowerSecure has successfully developed, installed, managed, and serviced over 2 GW of microgrid capacity. Its “all of the above” energy strategy positions PowerSecure to provide continued value to its customers and communities in this dynamic landscape.
Under the 100% Renewable Fuel Initiative, the first step for the Durham site microgrid is to begin using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as its renewable fuel in the PowerBlock generator that is part of the hybrid microgrid.
According to the company, this significant step aligns with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
PowerSecure continues to bring new innovations to our customers with a commitment to a clean energy future. The use of renewable fuels is a forward-thinking solution with sustainability benefits, including the displacement of carbon emissions. The deployment of renewable fuel at our Durham campus microgrid represents a major milestone for PowerSecure and the energy users and producers we serve, said Chris Cummiskey, CEO at PowerSecure.
Seamless drop-in renewable fuel
Unlike traditional biodiesel, which is produced through a process called transesterification, HVO is created using a process called hydrotreatment.
This involves treating the oils with hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures, resulting in a high-quality fuel that is very similar to conventional diesel in terms of performance and chemical structure.
HVO is chemically identical to fossil diesel, allowing for a seamless substitution without requiring any blending, making it the cornerstone of this initiative.
