Mission Point Energy talks the benefit of cogeneration systems for processors

It’s safe to say that becoming energy efficient is a priority for manufacturing. But from limited capital funding to a lack of resources to maintain the projects, that are plenty of barriers when it comes to implementing energy efficiency projects. This is where Mission Point hopes to come in and fulfill a need in the marketplace.

Mission Point develops, owns and operates cogeneration and other energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers globally. The company says its unique in that it provides solutions without requiring capex from its clients. The company uses its own capital to develop, own and operate the projects. Since Mission Point owns the systems, they are responsible for all operating, maintenance, repair and replacement costs.

“Rather than sell equipment to a customer outright or through a leaseback arrangement, we sell the energy output of our systems (electricity, hot/cold water, steam, etc.) to customers at a reduced rate to what they purchase or manufacture it,” Dominic Barbato, vice president of Mission Point Energy, told Plastics Technology.

One of Mission Point’s clients is a Tier I global automotive supplier for a large manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico. (The company couldn’t reveal the name of the supplier). Mission Point installed six modular systems that will generate 720 kW of electricity to produce 1,200 tons of chilled water capacity for use in the plant’s injection molding and assembly processes.

In addition, Mission Point will provide spot cooling and conditioned air to improve the ambient environment inside the facility. All equipment, engineering, and ongoing operating and maintenance costs will be paid for by Mission Point and the customer will purchase the resulting energy from the system. The installed equipment will include six natural gas fired reciprocating engines, new high efficiency chillers, cooling towers and proprietary air makeup units.

“Our solutions freed working capital to fund plant and production improvements while providing the facility with chilled water and conditioned air capacity for use in various injection molding and assembly areas,” he said.

Barbato said that plastic processors are ideal candidates for its cogeneration solutions as injection molding, blow molding, and other energy intensive equipment requires a continuous supply of electricity and thermal energy.

“Our no capex solutions use clean burning natural gas to generate power and recover the waste heat to create some combination of hot water, chilled water, steam, and conditioned air,” he said. “As a result, our systems are highly efficient and well suited to reduce a customer’s cost and environmental impact.”