Capstone Green Energy and RIU Hotels Celebrate New Microturbine Installation at Chicago Flagship Property
Capstone Green Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCID: CGEH) and its subsidiary, Capstone Green Energy, LLC, together with Vergent—Capstone’s exclusive distributor for the Midwest and Northeast United States—announced the successful installation of a high-efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system at Hotel RIU Plaza Chicago. The project will be officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by RIU Hotels & Resorts and Vergent.
The new system, ordered in December 2024 and delivered in March 2025, represents RIU’s fourth collaboration with Capstone across North America. Previous installations include two hotels in New York and one in Toronto. The Chicago system was commissioned in July 2025, underscoring RIU’s commitment to sustainability, cost savings, and energy resilience across its growing portfolio.
Project Overview
The CHP system at Hotel RIU Plaza Chicago includes:
- Three Capstone C65 ICHP microturbines
- Three gas compressors
- A Vergent Energy Plant Controller with remote monitoring
- On-site electricity and hot water generation capability
- A long-term Factory Protection Plan (FPP)
By generating electricity and hot water on-site, the microturbines enhance energy efficiency and reduce the hotel’s reliance on the local utility grid. The modular and compact design of the turbines makes them particularly well-suited for dense, urban environments like downtown Chicago.
A History of Collaboration
RIU Hotels & Resorts has been steadily expanding its use of Capstone technology over the past decade:
- 2014 – Seven C65 microturbines installed at Hotel RIU New York Times Square
- 2019 – Four C65 microturbines added at Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square
- 2025 (April) – Two C65 microturbines commissioned at Hotel RIU Plaza Toronto
- 2025 (July) – Three new C65 microturbines installed at Hotel RIU Plaza Chicago
With the addition of Chicago, RIU now operates 16 Capstone microturbines across its North American properties.
Sustainability and Economic Benefits
The Chicago project benefited from a mix of federal and utility incentives supporting clean energy adoption. Coupled with the system’s high efficiency and cost savings, RIU expects a payback period of just over one year—a remarkably short return on investment for energy infrastructure.
“Capstone microturbines are a smart investment for hotels,” said Justin Rathke, President of Vergent. “They provide clean, reliable on-site power and heat, which significantly reduces utility expenses. At the same time, they enhance asset value, attract environmentally conscious guests, and strengthen RIU’s leadership in sustainable hospitality.”
Meeting the Energy Trilemma
Rising utility costs and growing sustainability expectations were key drivers in RIU’s decision to expand its Capstone deployments. The company sought a proven solution that balanced resiliency, affordability, and sustainability—often referred to as the energy trilemma.
“RIU’s continued investment in Capstone technology demonstrates how we transform customers into long-term partners,” said Vince Canino, President and CEO of Capstone Green Energy. “Together with our distribution partners, we are delivering solutions that cut emissions, boost efficiency, and create long-term value. This project is an excellent example of forward-thinking collaboration in the hospitality sector.”
Growing Role in Hospitality
Capstone’s microturbine systems are gaining traction in the hotel industry, where operators seek to reduce emissions, control energy costs, and increase resilience against grid instability. The technology’s low-maintenance, low-emission profile makes it an attractive option for hotel chains with ambitious sustainability goals.
For RIU Hotels & Resorts, the Chicago installation further strengthens its position as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality, proving that clean energy investments can deliver both financial and environmental returns.
