Aemetis Begins Construction of Keyes Plant Solar Microgrid

Rhea-AI Summary

Aemetis has commenced construction of a 2 MW solar microgrid with a 1.25 MW battery storage system in California, aimed at producing carbon-free electricity. The solar array is expected to generate approximately 3.2 million kWh annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 8,000 MT CO2e per year. Funded by an $8 million grant from the California Energy Commission, the $12 million project is projected for completion in Q2 2023. This initiative is part of Aemetis’ efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the carbon intensity of its fuels.

Positive

• Construction of a 2 MW solar microgrid with 1.25 MW battery storage commenced.
• Expected annual generation of 3.2 million kWh of carbon-free electricity.
• Projected reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by ~8,000 MT CO2e per year.
• $8 million grant received from the California Energy Commission.

Negative

• None.

Construction underway to build 2 MW PV system with 1.25 MW of battery storage that will produce carbon free electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Renewable Fuels Production  
 

CUPERTINO, CA, Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire –  Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a leading producer of renewable natural gas and renewable fuels, announced today that construction has begun for the TotalEnergies and Schneider Electric solar microgrid system with at 2.0 MW photovoltaic (PV) array and a 1.25 MW battery energy storage system. Once construction has been completed, the microgrid will be integrated with the new Rockwell/Allen Bradley distributed control system (DCS) at the Aemetis Advanced Fuels biorefinery in Keyes, California. 

The solar array will generate approximately 3.2 million kWh per year and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ~8,000 MT CO2e per year. Foundations for the solar array are now under construction, with project completion expected in the second quarter of 2023. TotalEnergies serves as the project’s PV supplier as well as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. 

“The microgrid creates energy resiliency and will assist with off peak load shedding and energy efficiency,” stated Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “This microgrid, along with other energy saving technologies being implemented at our low-carbon ethanol facility, will further reduce the carbon intensity score of the fuel ethanol produced,” he continued. “Aemetis can also displace natural gas with carbon negative Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) upgraded and injected at the same facility in Keyes, California.”

The 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 down time. 

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. 

About Aemetis

Aemetis has a mission to transform renewable energy with below zero carbon intensity transportation fuels. Aemetis has launched the Carbon Zero production process to decarbonize the transportation sector using today's infrastructure. 

Aemetis Carbon Zero products include zero-carbon fuels that can "drop-in" to be used in airplanes, truck, and ship fleets. Aemetis low-carbon fuels have substantially reduced carbon intensity compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their lifecycle. 

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas, renewable fuel, and biochemicals company focused on the acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum-based products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis has completed Phase 1 and is expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California's Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis also owns and operates a 50 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India, producing high-quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin for customers in India and Europe. Aemetis is developing the Carbon Zero Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel biorefineries in California from renewable oils and orchard and forest waste. Aemetis holds a portfolio of patents and exclusive technology licenses to produce renewable fuels and biochemicals. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions, or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the construction and operation of the microgrid project, our compliance with governmental programs, and our ability to access markets and funding to execute on the project construction and operations. Words or phrases such as "anticipates," "may," "will," "should," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "showing signs," "targets," "view," "will likely result," "will continue" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our subsequent filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

External Investor Relations
Contact:
Kirin Smith
PCG Advisory Group
(646) 863-6519
ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

Company Investor Relations/
Media Contact:
Todd Waltz
(408) 213-0940
investors@aemetis.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Aemetis' new solar microgrid project?

The new solar microgrid project by Aemetis aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

When will the Aemetis solar microgrid project be completed?

The solar microgrid project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2023.

How much will the Aemetis solar microgrid project cost?

The total cost of the Aemetis solar microgrid project is $12 million.

What are the expected annual electricity generation and emissions reduction from the Aemetis project?

The solar array is expected to generate approximately 3.2 million kWh annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 8,000 MT CO2e per year.

What financial support has Aemetis received for its solar microgrid project?

Aemetis has received an $8 million grant from the California Energy Commission for the solar microgrid project.