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Opto 22 Announces First OptoGreen Grant

02/20/2008

Opto 22, a 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 in to restore, upgrade and operate a hydroelectric generator at a refurbished sugar mill on the island of Maui in Hawaii. 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.

"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 CEO 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 outlined and implemented a full-scale, company-wide energy conservation and reduction plan and other initiatives.

Visit Opto 22’s sustainability page for more information on OptoGreen policies and initiatives or to download an OptoGreen grant application.