Water and Energy Efficiency: The Next Big Thing

Policy Summit Laura Van Wie McGrory October 4, 2011 Vice President, International Programs Water and Energy Efficiency: The Next Big Thing

Energy and Water are Linked
Whenever water is lost to leaks, the energy and cost of energy embodied in that water is also lost.
Many distribution systems around the world are leaky
Industrialized countries: Old infrastructure
Developing countries: 33-50% lost to leaks and system inefficiencies
Common emphasis on end-user conservation
In many countries most water is lost before it reaches the end user

What is “ WATERGY ”?
Alliance to Save Energy program that maximizes efficiency of both energy and water
Why is this important?
Each gallon in the system requires energy (~20% or > energy savings possible )
Water & energy efficiency frees up funding for other crucial public services
Mitigates risk in increasingly water-constrained environments
Water savings can amplify return on investment
Optimizing existing infrastructure forestalls the need to replace equipment
What does a Watergy Project involve?
An assessment of the main end use applications
Assistance with design for energy efficiency
An energy management plan/training for plant personnel
Identification of financing mechanisms to enable implementation
Outreach/recognition of e fficiency achievements

Watergy: A Proven Strategy Lake Victoria Watergy project Watergy in South African schools EE in Caribbean Water Utilities
Since 1997: has helped more than 100 cities in 16 countries
Kicked off in the U.S. in 2010 (Bucks County, PA)
Watergy Program elements
Improving Motor System Efficiency (pump s , blowers, grinders) :
System Automation
Leak Management
Metering and Monitoring
Pressure management

PROBLEM: 80% of water flowing to homes lost through leaking main pipes and home plumbing fixtures! TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Pressure Management • Automated pressure management valves on each supply line • Reduced high bulk pressure; further reductions @ night • $800,000 construction commissioned Sept 2005 FINANCING SOLUTION: Performance Contracting • Water pressure management firm acting as ESCO • Build-Operate-Train-Transfer to municipality after 5 years • Fees: firm gets 20% of savings Case Study: Emfuleni, South Africa

• Payback period: <3 months • Annual Savings: Money : US $ 3.8 million Water : 2.1 billion gallons a reduction of >30% Energy : >14 million kWh • CO2 Reductions: 12,000 tons/year Emfuleni Results

Case Study: Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority Located in eastern Pennsylvania Created in 1962 $65 million in Annual Revenue 78,000 Retail Water and Sewer Customers 385,000 Wholesale and Retail Population Served in Bucks & Montgomery Counties PA One of 27 PA water systems serving over 100,000 people Nearly 1,000 of these large systems across the US BCW&SA has grown by 300% over the last 15 Years through Acquisitions

BCWSA Energy Management Plan
Energy Management Practices
Energy management policy, budget & energy manager
Benchmark motor system energy use
Operational Measures
Reduce facility temperatures
Cycle motor operation
System repairs
Conservation Measures
Install controls
Replace malfunctioning pumps
Install Variable Frequency Drives

Proposed Solutions
Pump control replacements
Blower improvements
Other mechanical and metering improvements
Operator training and incorporating energy management into SOPs, O&M manuals
Financing packages from government, utility, and private parties
Assessment Results
Electric Energy Savings 4.1 million kWh
Energy Cost Savings $361,000/yr
Simple Payback 2.2 years (~ 45% ROI)
Integrated energy management plan

Since its not Rocket Science, What are the Barriers to Adoption?
Culture of focusing on primary mission
Water demands and water quality mandates
Lack of data to evaluate solutions and awareness of energy markets in general
Workforce training needed
Financing
Many energy efficiency incentives do not benefit water & wastewater utilities
Unmet water supply & water quality capital needs

THANK YOU!
Alliance to Save Energy
www.ase.org
www.watergy.org

Water and Energy Efficiency: The Next Big Thing

by Alliance To Save Energy on Oct 06, 2011

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Water and Energy Efficiency: The Next Big Thing Presentation Transcript