Powering Up the Future
As part of our mission in enhancing the quality of our community and protecting the environment, we have implemented a cutting-edge microgrid system to help power some of our largest facilities. This includes the installation of floating solar panels on the Water Pollution Control Plant’s wet weather storage pond and a battery storage system to help during low-sunlight peaks. This innovative Microgrid system is one of only a few in the country for water and sewer utilities. After years of research, our engineers implemented this system to ensure lower energy and electricity costs, in addition to boosting reliability for the future.
By Year 40, we project to save nearly $60 - 70 million in electricity costs.
The microgrid system will connect our facilities (Water Pollution Control Plant, Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, Wet Weather Pump Stations) and help distribute power efficiently since the facilities peak at different times using solar panels, battery storage and natural gas. The floating solar panels in our wet weather ponds are the second largest in the U.S.
Our Microgrid system combines floating solar panels, battery energy storage and both methane and natural gas to power our largest facilities.
Click to learn more about how our facilities work together to provide the city cost-effective energy.
2024 Indiana Green Project of the Year – Accelerate Indiana Municipalities
2024 Utility of the Future Today – Water Environment Federation (WEF), North Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), The Water Research Foundation, US Water Alliance, and WaterReuse
2024 National Environmental Achievement Award for Public Service by an Elected Official – Presented to the late Mayor Tom Henry in February 2024 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
Our Commitment to You
This project is a long-term investment that will provide many benefits to the residents of Fort Wayne. As part of staying committed to our environmental and sustainability efforts, this project is aimed at helping customer energy costs and allows us to be fully prepared for natural disasters. This renewable energy technology will help us promote a better quality of life to the community.