Metro Water Services Energy Management Program
Wilmot is helping Nashville Metro Water Services save money and reduce their carbon footprint by increasing efficiency and installing solar arrays.
Overview
Nashville Metro Water Services (MWS) implemented an Energy Management Program to build on energy savings made over the past 10 years at its facilities In addition to saving energy, MWS is also installing three solar arrays to produce renewable power. Notable past achievements include energy savings realized with the fine bubble aeration system at the Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, installed in 2007. Other upgrades, such as energy efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades, have resulted in additional savings. All savings are evaluated annually through an Energy Savings Report.
Wilmot’s Role
Wilmot helped evaluate 14 alternatives for energy production and conservation using a triple bottom line methodology. These alternatives included combined heat and power systems, food waste digestion, biogas and solar installations. Wilmot also worked with operations staff to implement energy dashboards and establish baselines. Baseline analysis revealed no cost energy savings for MWS, such as turning down 750hp blowers. An RFP for solar arrays at 3 facilities was also developed.
Results
MWS has realized over $1M in energy savings as a result of the energy management program. Planned projects are expected to result in a total of $2M in additional year-over-year savings, representing a 20% reduction in annual energy usage.
Some of these planned projects include:
Solar installations at 3 facilities
A combined heat and power engine to generate electricity using biogas at Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
An energy efficient fine bubble aeration system at Whites Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
Multiple improvements at Central Biosolids Facility to improve capture and use of biogas to power plant processes
QUICK FACTS:
Client:
Metro Water Services
Location:
Nashville, TN
Markets:
Municipal
Water/wastewater
Services:
Energy management
Staff Augmentation
Lifecycle assessments
Triple bottom line analysis
Feasibility study and site selection
Financial modeling
Owner’s rep and RFP writing