A 1.65 MW Vestas V-82 wind turbine installed at the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant was dedicated on January 16, 2010. The installation is part of a Massachusetts energy management pilot program for wastewater and drinking water treatment and pumping facilities.
The plant treats just under 400,000 gallons of water per day. In 2007, the facility used 1.1 million kWh of electricity at a cost of $170,000. The wind turbine is expected to generate up to 4 million kWh, so it will supply 100% of the electricity needed, with the remaining electricity sold back to the grid. As a result, the facility expects annual savings of up to $500,000.
- Estimated cost at $4.3 million
- About $3 million of project cost will be paid through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Program, various grants and the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs).
1.65 MW Turbine installed at Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility