- History of the WRF
- Learn How Akron Treats Wastewater
- Industrial Pretreatment Section
- Green Energy Initiatives
- Awards
- Tour Information
- Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) Program
Green Energy Initiatives
Power Consumption Chart
POWER CONSUMPTION REDUCTION
The Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) has instituted many power-saving initiatives over the years to not only reduce its carbon footprint, but to off-set increasing operating costs, which are ultimately reflected in sewer rates. These initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in power requirements and corresponding electrical costs. Going back to the early 1990’s, a number of projects have been completed with a focus on energy conservation. Nearly all of the power requirements are currently being met through on-site generation from renewable energy sources.
Landfill Gas Powered Electrical Generator
LANDFILL GAS ELECTRICAL GENERATOR
Abandoned equipment located at the Water Reclamation Facility was removed in 2012 to make room for a new 1.1 MW landfill gas fueled electrical generator. The system was privately funded by Hull & Associates through an agreement with the City. Hull provides the electricity for use at the WRF at a discount over what the City would have paid to the local utility. The project recovered previously flared methane gas from a nearby closed, municipal landfill. The reduction of methane emitted directly from the landfill plus the offset of carbon dioxide from not using fossil fuels is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 9,111 passenger cars!
2 MW Diesel-Powered Generator
DEMAND RESPONSE
Demand Response is a program where a large power user can commit to either curtail usage or, if capable, generate power during periods of high demand. Participating users are then compensated for that commitment. The Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) has 5 MW of generation capacity that ensures uninterrupted treatment of wastewater in the event of a system-wide power outage. The WRF has participated in the demand response program since 2010 by committing a portion of its generation capacity. By leveraging these installed assets, we derive revenue to off-set increasing operating costs.
Anaerobic Digesters at the Renewable Energy Facility
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION SYSTEM
The City of Akron's Renewable Energy Facility uses anaerobic digesters to process wastewater biosolids. Read about how this process stabilizes the biosolids for ultimate land application, and produces electricity for on-site use by visiting the Renewable Energy Facility's page.
