As a utility manager, I know that energy costs can be a significant burden for wastewater treatment facilities. In fact, energy can account for 25 to 30 percent of a utility’s total operation and maintenance costs, making it the largest controllable expense in providing water and wastewater services.
But what if I told you that there’s a way to not only reduce those energy costs, but also power a more sustainable future? That’s where renewable energy comes into play, and it’s a game-changer for the wastewater industry.
Embracing the Power of Renewable Energy
Green power, which is electricity produced from renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, is one of the easiest and most effective ways for wastewater treatment facilities to improve their environmental performance. By purchasing green power or generating their own renewable energy on-site, utilities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
But the benefits of renewable energy don’t stop there. Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is a cost-effective option for wastewater treatment facilities that have or are planning to install anaerobic digesters. These systems can use the biogas from the digesters as free fuel to generate reliable electricity and power, further reducing energy costs and increasing efficiency.
Assessing Your Energy Footprint
Before you can dive into renewable energy solutions, it’s important to understand your facility’s energy usage. As an official government website states, “For many municipal governments, drinking water and wastewater plants typically are the largest energy consumers, often accounting for 30 to 40 percent of total energy consumed.”
By conducting a baseline energy use assessment using third-party energy audits or self-assessments, you can identify the energy-intensive processes that are driving up your costs, such as pumping and aeration. Once you have this information, you can prioritize energy conservation opportunities and make strategic investments in renewable energy solutions.
Navigating the Renewable Energy Landscape
The renewable energy landscape can be complex, with various options and considerations to weigh. Some utilities choose to generate their own renewable energy on-site, either through the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or other technologies. Others opt to purchase renewable energy directly from the power grid or by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs).
The availability and viability of these options will depend on your facility’s location and the offerings of your local electricity provider. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what impact energy-intensive processes have on your facility and how you can prioritize improvements.
Partnering for Success
As you explore the world of renewable energy in wastewater treatment, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go it alone. EPA regional offices are working with over 150 utilities to help develop energy management programs and identify case studies of the benefits seen by other utilities.
Additionally, state and local governments are developing programs to assist public water systems and wastewater treatment facilities in using renewable energy. These programs can provide valuable resources, funding, and support to help you navigate the complexities and unlock the full potential of renewable energy for your facility.
A Sustainable Future is Within Reach
As a utility manager, I know the challenges of managing energy costs and environmental impact in the wastewater industry. But with the integration of renewable energy, we have a unique opportunity to power a more sustainable future.
By understanding our energy footprint, exploring renewable energy solutions, and collaborating with government agencies and industry partners, we can reduce our carbon footprint, lower our operating costs, and lead the way towards a greener, more efficient wastewater treatment landscape.
The journey towards sustainability may not be without its challenges, but I believe that with the right strategies and partnerships, we can unlock the immense potential of renewable energy in wastewater treatment. The future is ours to shape, and I’m excited to be a part of this transformative movement.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Alpha Wastewater Services can help you integrate renewable energy into your wastewater treatment operations, I encourage you to reach out to our team. Together, we can power a more sustainable tomorrow, one facility at a time.