Imperial Western Products (IWP) implemented the IWP Microgrid Project (FPI-19-033) at its Coachella rendering facility to reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase operational resilience. The project deployed a microgrid system consisting of 2,068 photovoltaic solar modules, a 1,300-kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system, and Gridscape’s advanced microgrid controller. Post-installation measurement and verification confirmed annual reductions of about 908,000 kilowatt-hours of grid electricity and 217 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The system ensures uninterrupted operations during power outages, preventing spoilage of perishable feedstocks and avoiding additional landfill emissions. Beyond direct environmental benefits, the project strengthens IWP’s role as an employer in a disadvantaged community and demonstrates the technical feasibility of industrial microgrids. By sharing lessons learned with policymakers, trade associations, and local schools, IWP is helping advance adoption of microgrid technology across California to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
