Capstone Energy+ expands proven power solution at world's southernmost refinery with follow-on order in Chile
- Expansion to 2.2 MW reflects continued confidence in Capstone microturbine technology delivering reliable, low-emission power for critical operations in Patagonia’s most demanding environment
Capstone Energy+ Inc., a leading provider of behind-the-meter clean microturbine energy solutions for industrial and commercial businesses, as well as solutions designed for emerging datacenter applications, together with its subsidiaries, has received a follow-on order for a Capstone C800 Signature Series microturbine from Empresa National del Petroleo (ENAP), Chile’s state-owned energy company.
The new order will expand ENAP’s existing Capstone-powered energy system at the Gregorio Refinery, the world’s southernmost refinery, from 1.4 MW to 2.2 MW. The installation is expected to be commissioned in November 2026.
Secured through Capstone’s authorized distributor in Chile, ISPG, the project will operate on pipeline natural gas and provide critical power at one of the most remote and strategically important refining facilities in South America. Located in Chile’s Magallanes region, the refinery supplies diesel, aviation kerosene, and other refined fuels throughout Southern Chile while also supporting Antarctic operations and expeditions.
Proven performance drives expansion at remote Patagonia refinery. “When a customer operating the southernmost refinery on the planet chooses not just to deploy, but to expand its Capstone footprint, it sends a powerful message about the real-world impact of our on-site power generation solutions. It is a testament to the future of energy being built today,” said Vince Canino, President and CEO of Capstone Energy+. “Across the oil and gas sector, operators continue to turn to our technology as the go-to solution for remote, mission-critical environments, and the Gregorio Refinery is a prime example. In a location where reliability isn’t optional, and where maintenance access is limited, our systems deliver relentless uptime and consistent performance, even in the harshest of environments. This follow-on order underscores ENAP’s confidence in Capstone’s proven performance and highlights our shared commitment to energy independence, lower emissions, and stronger, more resilient operations for the future.”
ENAP is Chile’s state-owned energy company, providing energy solutions through its Exploration & Production, Refining and Commercialization divisions. The Gregorio Refinery processes more than 200,000 m3 of crude oil annually and supplies fuels critical to maritime, aviation, and Antarctic operations in Chile’s Magallanes region. The facility operates year-round in an environment where winter temperatures can fall below 0°F and winds exceed 75 mph (120 km/hr).
The decision to expand the installation was driven by the performance of ENAP’s existing Capstone microturbine system, which has already eliminated the reliability and cost challenges that conventional generators could not solve. Operating critical energy infrastructure at remote sites presents unique reliability challenges and significant maintenance costs, particularly during harsh winters when site access is limited. Since deploying Capstone’s single-moving part microturbines, these issues have been resolved. The decision to expand to 2.2 MW reflects ENAP’s confidence in Capstone's ability to deliver the same proven operational benefits at a greater scale.
“ENAP required reliable power generation at a critical refinery operating in one of the most extreme environments on earth, but doing so while also reducing emissions and operating costs,” said Cristian Balic, Principal at ISPG. “The existing Capstone installation has answered that challenge decisively, delivering strong operational performance while helping address load variability, lower maintenance requirements, and achieve efficiency objectives. This follow-on order reflects ENAP’s continued confidence in Capstone’s ability to support its refinery’s evolving energy needs.”
This project underscores Capstone’s continued expansion in Latin America, where energy-intensive operations in remote environments are increasingly seeking clean and reliable on site, on demand, always on power.
Comments