Print page

Invensys Completes Control Systems and Technology Upgrades at 12 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Sites

ControlGlobal.com
12/25/2012

By Invensys

Invensys Operations Management has completed a major control systems and technology upgrade at 12 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority sites. With 5,839 MW of generating capacity, PREPA is one of the largest public utilities in the United States and the sole provider of electricity for 1.5 million customers in Puerto Rico.

Under the terms of an agreement signed in 2010, Invensys supplied its Foxboro I/A Series distributed control system, including its new Foxboro Control Software solution, to help PREPA diversify its production capabilities and become more nimble as it begins to add renewable energy to its power mix. Invensys also provided field service and start-up support, as well as design, testing and implementation services.

PREPA's total production capacity is expected to grow to 6,719 MW by 2014. As a result, it has undertaken a multi-phase initiative to expand gas firing at all its generating plants, which will reduce air emissions, drive down the costs of other fossil fuels and spur wider economic benefits for the island. Additionally, in order to meet new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hazardous air pollutant criteria, Puerto Rico's Energy Diversification Law states that 12 percent of PREPA's total output will have to come from renewable sources by 2015. The number increases to 15 percent by 2020 and to 20 percent by 2035. PREPA's current modernization initiative will provide the company with an automation infrastructure that will make it much easier to integrate renewable fuels into its power production line.