Driving Wastewater Treatment Energy Efficiency (CLOSED)

Overview

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operate in over 600 communities in Minnesota and use a substantial amount of energy. This project is an extension of a Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources and U.S. Department of Energy-funded research project completed by the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) at the University of Minnesota, which focused on the most effective ways to conserve energy in Minnesota’s WWTPs. MnTAP will take learnings from their previous research and create a curriculum for WWTP managers, resulting in a cohort model for program delivery. This program will help plant managers across the state implement energy management best practices in their facilities.

Project Process and Expected Outcomes
The project will generate training modules on tools and techniques that can be used by WWTP operators to assess energy use, efficiency, and support operators as they implement energy saving measures. Modules for training will include the recently launched Minnesota B3 for Wastewater Treatment. This project is being led by MnTAP – CEE is playing a supporting role and will take the lead on the development of a model utility-based program.