Castillo Engineering building 15-MW solar project for renewable diesel plant
Castillo Engineering partnered with BioStar Renewables, to provide electrical design and engineering for a 15-MW solar project in Kansas. This behind-the-meter project uses a single-axis tracker and will power a recently-built renewable diesel plant with on-site clean energy.
Credit: Castillo Engineering
BioStar Renewables has engaged Castillo Engineering on three other solar projects throughout the country, making this their fourth project together. Now under construction, the project is expected to be complete in Q2 of 2023.
“We chose Castillo Engineering for this project because they have proven themselves to be an exceptional partner on the variety of projects they have supported us with in several different states,” said David Smart, CCO of BioStar Renewables. “They are extremely detail oriented during each step of the design process, and we are excited to be able to work with them to provide more sustainable energy for this state-of-the-art renewable diesel plant.”
Domestic renewable diesel capacity, which can be derived from fats and oils, is expected to double by 2025, as this new plant contributes to this growing trend. It was important to the owners to power the majority of their electricity needs with solar energy and replace the facility’s prior 22-MW steam generator.
To accomplish this, Castillo Engineering devised interconnecting into a substation as well as site planning within a railroad loop, which required the firm to minimize rail crossings by optimizing conductor routes.
“We are honored to have been selected by BioStar Renewables for this exceptional project, which is contributing to a more sustainable future in more ways than one,” said Christopher Castillo, CEO of Castillo Engineering. “Although we have projects throughout the entire country, we are especially looking forward to providing our design, engineering and site optimization expertise for additional impactful projects in the Midwest region this year and in the years to come.”
News item from Castillo Engineering