Alternative energy generation for Massachusetts water treatment facilities

The Massachusetts DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) has a  state-wide  energy management pilot program underway to reduce the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities.  Initiated in December 2007, the program’s intent is to reduce the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of the facilities by 20%.

The energy management pilot program encompasses fourteen facilities – seven water treatment plants and seven wastewater treatment plans.  The program targets $3.7 million in annual energy savings through energy effiiciency and renewable energy generation.

The renewable energy portion of the pilot encompasses generating 7 MW of electricity using four renewable energy technologies:

• Solar Photovoltaic – 4.6 MW
• Wind – 2.4 MW
• Hydropower – 140 kW
• Combined Heat & Power (including methane recapture) – 165 kW

By the DEP’s own estimates, the total electricity use of all Massachusetts wastewater & water treatment facilities is  1 billion kWh per year, at an estimated cost of $141 million.  A 10 – 20% savings throughout the system would mean significant cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions.