Driving Water and Wastewater Utilities to More Sustainable Energy Management

Abstract

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and industry leaders have identified the need for an energy roadmap to guide utilities of all sizes down the road to sustainable energy management through increased renewable energy production, energy conservation and focus on overall energy management. This roadmap leverages the framework developed in the electric power sector to move to smart grid technology: the smart grid maturity model (SGMM). The basis of this material originated at a workshop of water and power industry leaders convened by WEF in North Carolina, in March 2012. Case studies were analyzed from successful utilities in Austria, Holland, Australia, and the United States. High level, strategic best practices were identified and organized into topic areas, which define the level of progression (enable, integrate and optimize) towards achieving energy sustainability. The WEF energy roadmap is intended to guide utilities of all sizes as they progress towards becoming the treatment plants of the future. While it is not practical for all wastewater treatment plants to become energy positive or neutral, all can take steps towards increasing energy sustainability. Financial viability for energy management sustainability is crucial for success. Finding alternative financial models such as Energy Services Performance Contracts (ESPC) is a good option to accomplish energy management goals in a timely and financially responsible method.