GHG Emissions, Solar  -  October 30, 2024

Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority Adds Solar

Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) announced a program to add several solar installations.

RUSA collaborated with Ameresco, Inc., a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, to implement a clean energy program. This collaboration seeks to enhance the resilience, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of RUSA's key facilities, including its main office, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Natural Treatment System (NTS).

The Oregon Department of Energy chose 34 recipients to receive nearly $18 million in Community Renewable Energy Grant Program funds. With the assistance of Ameresco, RUSA was awarded almost $2.9 million in grant funds for three projects.

Under the collaboration, Ameresco will oversee the design, construction and integration of solar PV systems across RUSA’s facilities, building on a comprehensive technical energy audit (TEA) conducted to identify energy-saving opportunities. The project will include the development of renewable energy solutions, focusing on solar PV technology and battery energy storage systems (BESS). 

A grant of $1 million was awarded toward the installation of 800-kW solar PV system designed to generate 1.2 MWh annually to offset 44% of the wastewater treatment plant’s energy usage and support RUSA’s goal to be a sustainable community partner; a grant of $870,870 was awarded toward the installation of a 50-kW solar PV array designed to generate 51,580 kWh annually to offset 100% of the energy usage with a 186-kW battery storage system at RUSA’s administrative offices; and a grant of $1 million was awarded toward the installation of a 400-kW floating solar PV system designed to generate 536,074 kWh annually to offset 64% of the Natural Treatment System (NTS) energy usage, a project that will maximize energy generation and land efficiency.

Guided by an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), Ameresco guarantees both energy savings and optimal system performance. These projects are made possible through the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Community Renewable Energy Program (C-REP) grants. 

The solar PV installations will play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption across RUSA's facilities. 

“Our work with Ameresco is more than an investment in renewable energy; it is an investment in the future of our community,” said Jim Baird, General Manager of RUSA, in a statement. “By reducing our energy costs and strengthening our infrastructure’s resilience, we are positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable wastewater management while ensuring that we continue to serve the public effectively during emergencies.”

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