Opto 22, a Temecula, Calif.-based developer and manufacturer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and data acquisition projects, has announced Makila Hydro LLC as the first recipient of an OptoGreen grant, an award of complimentary automation hardware and software to businesses, research organizations, and other enterprises engaged in researching, designing, developing, or producing any product or service that promotes alternative or renewable energy or sustainability. Makila Hydro LLC, which includes a group of renewable energy specialists from Hawaii Energy Group, was formed in 2001 to restore, upgrade, and operate a hydroelectric generator at a refurbished sugar mill on the island of Maui. The company plans to use its donation of Opto 22 Snap PAC System hardware and software to upgrade and automate this generator and reestablish it as an environmentally clean producer of electricity. Green encouragement “We expect the availability of OptoGreen grants will further encourage, support, and subsidize the sourcing and production of alternative fuels and renewable energy,” states Opto 22 Chief Executive Officer Mark Engman. “This program formalizes and defines a simple process whereby customers can easily procure and implement Opto 22 automation technologies to more quickly accomplish their goals.” OptoGreen grants are designed to aid the efforts of researchers, systems integrators, educational institutions and individuals involved in environmentally conscious projects such as energy management, alternative fuels, biodiesel production and recycling. Grant applicants can request complimentary hardware, software, and engineering consultations to assist them in their research or production efforts. Launched in 2006, OptoGreen is a corporate initiative focused on environmental responsibility through conservation, recycling and sustainability. Under this program, Opto 22 successfully outlined and implemented a full-scale, company-wide energy conservation and reduction plan and other initiatives that ultimately resulted in the company reaching carbon-neutral status. For more information on Opto 22’s OptoGreen sustainability policies and initiatives or to download an OptoGreen grant application, please visit www.opto22.com/site/co_sustainability.aspx. Opto 22 www.opto22.com
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