2 600kW wind turbines were installed at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Deer Island facility in August, 2009. The 2 turbines are expected to generate 2 million kWh of electricity each year, a savings of about $250,000 to the MWRA ratepayers.
Water treatment, especially on the scale of Deer Island, is a hugely resource intensive undertaking. Deer Island treats 360 million gallons of wastewater each day. All the energy generated by these turbines will be used on site, but will account for only about 3% of total energy use. This project, however, brings the total of renewable energy used at Deer Island to 26% of its total energy use. The renewable energy runs the gamut of technologies, including:
- Hydroelectric – two 1 MW hydroelectric generators produce 5 million kWh per year (treated wastewater leaving the facility)
- Solar – 100 kW solar array with a second one planned
- Biomass – methane generated during sludge digestion produces steam & hot water and generates electricity
The MWRA can install up to three more turbines on site, assuming that the FAA determines that there have been no adverse effects on aviation radar from the initial installation.
- Total project cost – $4 million
- MTC grant – $400,000
- Feasibility study completed July, 2005
- FAA approval granted April, 2008
- Critical to this project due to proximity to Boston’s Logan Airport and concern over radar impacts
- Design/Build contract awarded October, 2008
- Contractor was Lumus Construction, now part of Solaya Energy, a developer & operator of renewable energy facilities with an 600 MW installed portfolio