Case Study: MP Materials achieves reliable island-mode power with Thermo Systems

MP Materials powers island-mode CHP with Thermo Systems

MP Materials Corp., a leading manufacturer of rare earth and rare metal products, faced a challenge in powering its Mountain Pass facility, which was located miles from the utility grid. To achieve greater energy stability and reliability, they commissioned a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. Thermo Systems was selected as the systems integrator to handle the complex automation and control system integration for this critical project.

Thermo Systems implemented a comprehensive solution involving redundant Allen Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, a Power Monitoring PLC, and a GE iFix SCADA system to control the CHP plant. The successful integration allowed the facility to operate in "island mode," completely disconnected from the distant utility grid. This provided MP Materials with significantly enhanced power stability and operational reliability, with Thermo Systems continuing to provide ongoing maintenance support.

MP Materials Corp