Regatta Solutions will install microturbines to help two California breweries meet their energy-efficiency and carbon-reduction goals by generating on-site electrical and thermal energy. Combined heat and power (CHP) — also known as cogeneration — allows the exhaust heat from the microturbines to be converted via heat exchangers into hot water or steam for the brewing process.

A 2-MW Capstone system fueled by low-pressure natural gas (LPNG) replaced aging fuel cells at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, Calif. The brewery installed the microturbines to reduce its dependence on the local electric grid. Already with 2 MW of installed solar power, the brewery now is operating as a microgrid. The system provides steam via two steam generators.

A brewery in Los Angeles will install a 200-kW microturbine to lower electricity costs.