Energy-Water Projects
Water supply and wastewater facilities are among the largest users of energy in most municipalities. PCEP and its partner, JK Muir, design and develop energy-water projects with advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy approaches that can dramatically reduce energy and water use along with GHG emissions. Project types include:
Fast-payback process
efficiency projects
These projects are low cost and often emphasize operational adjustments or minor equipment replacement. These types of projects can provide a one-to-two year payback with minimal capital investment.
Energy Conservation Measures
Significant opportunities are available to reduce the electrical energy draw of water supply and wastewater systems through updated equipment, enhanced controls, and modified processes. Replacing pumps, upgrading aeration equipment, and implementing new, more efficient and smart technology offers opportunities for deep energy savings, while improving the reliability of critical infrastructure.
Onsite Generation
Water and wastewater facilities are well suited for on-site power generation, including renewable energy options such as anaerobic digestion, solar photovoltaics, hydropower, biomass, or wind. Anaerobic digestion coupled with combined heat and power can reduce waste solids in wastewater facilities while also producing power.
Net Zero Carbon and
Grid Islanding Capability
Water and wastewater facilities can become “net zero,” with on-site production effectively offsetting the operational energy requirements. By implementing energy conservation combined with renewable energy generation and storage, these public infrastructure facilities can substantially reduce grid dependence, regional peak demands, and GHG emissions. In addition, the facilities can provide an additional source of renewable energy power that can be fed back into the grid as necessary to provide greater grid and electric system resilience.
JK Muir
PCEP’s partner, JK Muir, is a leader in helping water supply and wastewater facilities save energy and employ renewable energy solutions. The company has worked with more than 100 water and wastewater utilities in performing energy audits, undertaking renewable energy evaluations, and designing and managing energy and climate/sustainability projects.