Bergen, Norway.

Bergen Engines has been selected by Roatán Electric Company to deliver power to Roatán Island, Honduras.

Bergen Engines, together with EPC partner Sampol Ingeniería y Obras, are to deliver a new 25MW power plant to the Caribbean island of Roatán, Honduras.

Roatán Electric Company (RECO), selected the Bergen / Sampol consortium to reinforce its commitment to clean power generation and ensuring a reliable power supply for Roatán and Santos Guardiola municipalities.

Today, RECO utilizes a hybrid mix of renewable energy, battery and existing propane engines. The company chose to scale their operations with Bergen Engines due to Bergen’s superior propane gas technology and reliability in varying conditions.

Ramiro Tumbaco, General Manager RECO:

“This investment contributes with the economic growth and development of the island of Roatán, Bay Islands, since it represents the generation of clean-green energy through an LPG Power plant, aligned with the goals of the modern world to preserve the environment. Most of the Caribbean islands have diesel-powered plants, but with our vision to be a pioneer in the market, this technology positions us as a leading company, representing a model for the electrical industry in the region.”

Powered by Propane

The heart of the new project will be three B36:45V20 gen sets from Bergen Engines in baseload operation. Powered by propane, these engines offer a market-leading output with a minimized derate of 25% compared to natural gas, thanks to their innovative design. Developed in close collaboration with customers and service organizations, Bergen’s B36:45 engine sets a new standard for efficiency and reliability in power generation, delivering up to 600kW per cylinder on natural gas and an impressive 450kW per cylinder on propane gas, while optimizing lifecycle costs and meeting stringent emission regulations.

As a company, Bergen Engines aims to be at the forefront of fuel flexibility. Today, the company leads research and development programs for future fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. By the end of 2024, Bergen Engines is expecting to unveil  a 100% hydrogen fuelled engine, displaying the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Highest Efficiency, Availability and Reliability

SAMPOL Ingeniería Y Obras, widely established in LATAM and the Caribbean for over 30 years, will oversee the design, engineering, and construction of the power plant. Aligned with RECO’s custom requirements and specifications, SAMPOL gave special attention to achieving the highest efficiency, availability, and reliability.

Sampol Sales Director, Josu Vicandi, commented:

“We are thrilled to join forces with Bergen Engines once again to bring reliable, efficient power generation to RECO and the island of Roatán, and to diligently capture RECO’s unique specifications as part of the project design discussions.”

Bergen Engines’ Head of Sales for the Americas, Theodore Lorentzos, said:

“The Island of Roatán is experiencing rapid growth, greatly fueled by the tourism industry and it’s a pleasure to support RECO with reliable and efficient baseload power to satisfy their demand, and supporting their growth strategy. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions that are tailored to the needs of our customers and highlights our flexibility with a collaborative approach that customers know us for and greatly appreciate.”

Continued Expansion in LATAM

This landmark project marks Bergen Engines’ continued expansion in the Latin American region, adding to its portfolio in Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The project will be fully supported by the Bergen Engines service subsidiary in Querétaro, Mexico.

Aldrich Richter – Managing Director, Bergen Engines LATAM – commented:

“We are delighted that RECO have put their trust in our engines and our overarching strategy as we expand our footprint in the LATAM region. We are fully dedicated to providing RECO with services to facilitate seamless operations, that the population of Roatan Island will benefit from for many years ahead”.

Bergen Engines’ Service Center, Mexico

ABOUT SAMPOL

SAMPOL is a multinational group of Spanish capital, leader in engineering solutions applied to different public or private sectors. The company was founded  and remains headquartered in Mallorca in 1934 and currently conducts its activity in three main lines of business:

-The projection, construction and operation of energy projects, power generation plants, cogeneration, renewable energy, microgrids and energy saving solutions.

-The realization of comprehensive installations in hotels, emblematic buildings, airports, etc.

-The development of technological solutions oriented towards digitization and creation of software tailored to the client.

The group has a permanent presence in Spain, Italy, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Aruba, Peru, Canada, and Cabo Verde, throughout its more than 85 years of history it has developed international projects in 22 countries and 4 continents. In addition, SAMPOL Group operates the 100% renewable energy marketer SAMPOL Energy.

ABOUT RECO

Roatan Electric Company (RECO) was established in June 1992. RECO provides energy service for the island of Roatán and recently expanded its service to the island of Santa Elena. Its energy matrix has a wind farm with a capacity of 3.9 MW, a Clean Combustion Plant LPG Gas Plant of 28MW, Solar Park 7 MW with a battery energy storage system  (BESS) of 11 MW located at the south side of the island and a Second Solar Park of 5 MW located at the north side. In 2008 RECO was taken over by Klyde Warren Energy Investments (KWEI).

ABOUT BERGEN ENGINES

Bergen Engines produces medium-speed liquid and gas fueled engines and generator sets are supplied to a broad range of land-based, commercial marine, and naval applications. The Bergen name is a watchword for quality and reliability in its field. The tradition of engineering in Bergen, Norway, dates to 1855 when the original company Bergen Mekaniske Verksted (BMV) was founded. In 1946, the company built its first diesel engine and has since commissioned over 7,500 of its iconic liquid and gas fueled engines. Around half of them are still in operation today; such is the quality and reliability of a Bergen engine. Formerly Rolls-Royce Bergen Engines, on 31st December 2021, the company became part of the privately owned British engineering group, Langley Holdings plc