A Business Case for On-Site Generation: The BD Biosciences Pharmingen Project

Abstract

This report examines the business case for DER at the San Diego biotechnology supplycompany BD Biosciences Pharmingen, which considered DER for a building with 200-300 kW base-load, much of which accommodates the refrigerators required to maintainchemicals. This business case study demonstrates the value of DER inthe San Diego area. Even for BD Biosciences Pharmingen, a relatively small DERadopter, savings of 30% or greater over current energy costs is expected. Actual savingswould be even greater if a value were placed on price stability. Also, although not currently configured to do so, the DER system could provide power during grid failure, thereby enhancing reliability.