S17 E12: Concept to Reality: How WWTPs Can Start Building Energy Resiliency

Key Discussion Points:

● Clarity Before Construction: The path to resiliency begins with analysis rather than immediate construction. A formal feasibility study allows for modeling various scenarios to avoid relying on guesswork.

● The “Pain and Suffering” Audit: Jim recommends that teams summarize the last significant outage (over one hour) in a brief report. Understanding the true cost and operational impact of past failures helps justify the investment in future resiliency.

● Data is Already On-Site: Most plants already possess the data needed for a feasibility plan without needing outside help initially. Facilities should benchmark annual electricity and gas usage using 15-minute interval data to identify specific vulnerabilities.

● Identify Critical Loads: WWTPs must distinguish between “critical loads,” such as essential pumping, and systems that can be triaged or run at partial capacity during an emergency.

● Control Your Destiny: With energy affordability becoming a leading driver for decision-makers, plants are increasingly looking toward distributed generation and microgrids to stabilize costs and reduce dependence on the traditional grid.

● Smart Collaboration: There is a growing opportunity for WWTPs to partner with high-energy consumers, like data centers, to share resources such as water for cooling or alternative energy generation.

Mentioned Progressive Agencies

● Orange County Sanitation District: Recognized for being on top of energy needs and co-locating with drinking water facilities.

● Victor Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant: Noted for its progressive approach and innovation.

● City of Phoenix: Highlighted for the Palo Verde project, where treated effluent provides makeup water for a nuclear plant.

Connect with Jim Dodenhoff:

Founder: Silent Running

Email: james.dodenhoff@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdodenhoff/

Website: silentrunning.biz

Conclusion

The transition from energy concept to reality requires a shift in focus from immediate action to thorough analysis. By leveraging existing data and modeling specific scenarios through feasibility studies, wastewater treatment plants can move toward a more resilient and self-sufficient future. As energy affordability becomes a top priority, the path forward lies in understanding critical loads and exploring innovative, distributed generation options to maintain environmental compliance and operational stability.

Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧

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