Capstone Energy+ Secures Follow-On Refinery Order in Chile, Expanding Reliable On-Site Power at the World’s Southernmost Refinery
Capstone Energy+, Inc. (OTCQX: CGEH), a leading provider of behind-the-meter clean energy systems based on advanced microturbine technology, has announced a significant follow-on order from Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (ENAP), Chile’s state-owned energy company. The latest agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two organizations while highlighting the growing role of distributed energy solutions in supporting critical industrial infrastructure operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
The new order calls for the delivery of a Capstone C800 Signature Series microturbine, which will expand the existing on-site power generation system at ENAP’s Gregorio Refinery in southern Chile. Once installed, the refinery’s total Capstone-powered generating capacity will increase from 1.4 megawatts (MW) to 2.2 MW, enabling the facility to meet rising operational energy demands while maintaining high levels of efficiency and reliability.
Commissioning of the expanded system is expected in November 2026.
Strengthening Energy Security in Remote Southern Chile
The Gregorio Refinery occupies a unique position within the global refining industry. Located in Chile’s remote Magallanes Region, it is recognized as the world’s southernmost oil refinery and serves as a vital energy hub for southern Chile.
The refinery plays an essential role in processing crude oil into products including diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, and other refined petroleum products that support transportation, commercial industries, maritime activities, and Antarctic logistics. Because of its strategic location, the refinery supplies fuel not only for regional communities but also for research stations, shipping operations, and Antarctic expeditions operating in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
Maintaining uninterrupted operations at such an isolated facility requires highly dependable power generation systems capable of operating continuously despite severe environmental conditions. The expansion of Capstone’s microturbine installation is designed to strengthen that reliability while supporting ENAP’s broader operational objectives.
Follow-On Order Reflects Confidence in Existing Performance
Unlike first-time equipment purchases, follow-on orders often demonstrate customer satisfaction with existing technology. ENAP’s decision to expand its Capstone installation reflects the strong operational performance of the company’s microturbines already in service at the Gregorio Refinery.
The original installation successfully addressed several long-standing operational challenges commonly associated with conventional generator systems. These included maintenance complexity, equipment reliability, and operational costs associated with serving a remote industrial location.
Encouraged by the performance of the existing system, ENAP elected to expand the facility’s generating capacity rather than replace or supplement it with traditional power technologies.
The additional C800 Signature Series microturbine will integrate seamlessly into the current energy infrastructure, increasing available power while preserving the benefits of Capstone’s modular system architecture.
Powered by Natural Gas for Reliable On-Site Generation
The expanded power system will operate using pipeline natural gas, allowing the refinery to generate electricity directly on-site instead of relying solely on external power supplies or conventional diesel generators.
Behind-the-meter energy generation offers several advantages for industrial facilities, particularly those located in geographically isolated regions. Producing electricity where it is consumed helps improve operational resilience, reduces transmission dependency, and minimizes risks associated with grid interruptions.
Capstone’s microturbine technology is specifically designed to provide continuous, on-demand electricity while maintaining low emissions, reduced maintenance requirements, and high operational efficiency.
These characteristics make the systems particularly well suited for critical infrastructure such as oil refineries, gas processing plants, manufacturing facilities, data centers, hospitals, and other industrial operations where uninterrupted power is essential.
Extreme Operating Conditions Demand Exceptional Reliability
The Gregorio Refinery operates under environmental conditions that would challenge many conventional power generation systems.
Winter temperatures regularly fall below 0°F (-18°C), while powerful winds exceeding 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour) are common throughout the year. These harsh weather conditions can complicate maintenance activities, delay equipment servicing, and limit accessibility to critical infrastructure.
In remote environments such as Patagonia, equipment reliability becomes significantly more important because replacement parts, specialized technicians, and maintenance crews may require extended travel times to reach the site.
Capstone’s microturbines are engineered with a simplified mechanical design featuring a single moving part, reducing wear and minimizing maintenance requirements compared to traditional reciprocating engines.
This design enables longer operating intervals, fewer service disruptions, and greater overall equipment availability—key factors for facilities where downtime can be both operationally disruptive and financially costly.
Company Leadership Highlights Customer Confidence
Vince Canino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Energy+, described the repeat order as an important validation of the company’s technology and long-term customer relationships.
He noted that when operators of one of the planet’s most remote refineries choose to expand an existing installation, it demonstrates confidence in the proven performance of Capstone’s energy solutions. According to Canino, industrial customers increasingly seek technologies capable of delivering dependable electricity in locations where reliability is not simply desirable but absolutely essential.
He emphasized that the Gregorio Refinery represents an excellent example of how distributed energy systems can provide continuous performance despite challenging environmental conditions and limited maintenance access.
Canino also stated that the expanded installation reflects a shared commitment between Capstone and ENAP to improve energy resilience, strengthen operational independence, lower emissions, and support long-term sustainable industrial operations.
ISPG Continues Supporting Capstone’s Growth in Chile
The project was secured through ISPG, Capstone Energy+’s authorized distributor in Chile.
ISPG has played an important role in deploying Capstone systems throughout the country, providing engineering expertise, project management, equipment integration, commissioning services, and ongoing technical support.
Cristian Balic, Principal at ISPG, explained that ENAP required a dependable power solution capable of operating efficiently under some of the world’s most demanding environmental conditions while simultaneously lowering emissions and reducing operating costs.
He noted that the existing Capstone installation has consistently met these objectives by delivering reliable electricity, improving operational flexibility, reducing maintenance requirements, and helping the refinery better manage varying electrical loads.
According to Balic, ENAP’s decision to place a follow-on order demonstrates continued confidence in Capstone’s technology and its ability to support the refinery’s evolving operational requirements.
Supporting Critical National Infrastructure
ENAP occupies a central role within Chile’s national energy sector through its integrated operations spanning exploration and production, refining, transportation, and fuel commercialization.
The Gregorio Refinery processes more than 200,000 cubic meters of crude oil annually, producing fuels that are essential for southern Chile’s economy.
Its strategic importance extends beyond commercial fuel production. The refinery supplies diesel for transportation, marine fuel for shipping operations, aviation fuel for aircraft serving remote communities, and energy resources supporting scientific research and logistics throughout Antarctica.
Ensuring uninterrupted operations at the refinery therefore contributes directly to regional energy security and supports critical economic and scientific activities across southern Chile.
Microturbine Technology Continues Expanding Industrial Applications
Capstone Energy+ has continued expanding the deployment of its microturbine technology across multiple industrial sectors where dependable, low-maintenance power generation is essential.
Its systems are used across oil and gas production facilities, refineries, manufacturing plants, wastewater treatment facilities, commercial buildings, healthcare campuses, hospitality operations, utility infrastructure, and emerging data center applications.
The modular nature of Capstone’s technology enables customers to expand generating capacity over time by adding additional microturbines as operational requirements grow, rather than replacing entire systems.
This scalable approach allows organizations to align capital investments with future expansion plans while maintaining consistent system performance and operational flexibility.
Latin America Remains an Important Growth Market
The ENAP project also reflects Capstone Energy+’s continued expansion throughout Latin America, where industrial companies increasingly seek resilient, decentralized energy systems capable of supporting operations in remote locations.
Mining operations, oil and gas facilities, manufacturing complexes, and critical infrastructure projects across the region frequently operate far from major population centers or transmission networks. These conditions have accelerated demand for distributed energy technologies that combine operational reliability with improved environmental performance.
As governments and industrial operators continue pursuing cleaner and more efficient energy strategies, microturbine-based distributed generation is becoming an increasingly attractive solution for facilities seeking to reduce emissions while maintaining dependable power availability.
The Gregorio Refinery expansion represents another milestone in Capstone Energy+’s international growth strategy and reinforces the company’s reputation as a trusted provider of reliable on-site energy solutions for mission-critical industrial operations. With commissioning scheduled for late 2026, the expanded 2.2 MW installation will further strengthen ENAP’s ability to deliver uninterrupted fuel production while demonstrating how advanced distributed power technologies can support resilient, efficient, and lower-emission industrial infrastructure in even the world’s most challenging operating environments.
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