PHOTO: Solar Panels in Ocho Sur’s Camps | Ocho Sur 2024
Renewable energy is a high priority at Ocho Sur. Since the beginning of our operations, we have looked to implement them and have already made significant progress.
Biofuel Powered Turbine – SAP
Our oil extraction plant (SAP) has a steam turbine that has generated almost 10 million kilowatt-hours of energy to date (2021-2024). This turbine is entirely powered from byproducts in the production of Crude Palm Oil (CPO), such as the palm fruit husk and nut shells. These byproducts are combusted to power our turbine, making the energy in SAP sustainably sourced.
Biofuel is considered a more sustainable alternative to diesel because all carbon that is released during combustion was initially captured to create the biomass. This has a “net-zero” change in our atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide over the course of the biomass’s creation (about 9 months), whereas burning diesel and gasoline releases carbon that has been stored for millions of years.
Another benefit of Biofuel is how it lowers our dependency on fuel. The energy produced by our turbine has avoided the use of over 900,000 gallons of diesel from 2021 to October 2024. Adopting biofuel in our factory has allowed us to save money, become more energy independent, and make a good decision for the environment.
Solar Panels
Ocho Sur employs approximately 2000 people, and about 1238 people live on camps that either partially or fully powered through solar panels. Among these, about 338 people live in camps that are entirely solar powered.
Our 531 solar panels have a capacity of 190 kilowatts and have provided over one million kWh of energy over the past 5 years.
These actions are part of Ocho Sur’s commitment to renewable energy and keeping track of our carbon footprint.
Related SDGs
