For release: October 9, 2024
Powering the Future
City Utilities Wins National Award for Energy Generation
Fort Wayne, Indiana – National honors come to City Utilities as the recipient of the Utility of the Future award given jointly by Water Environment Federation (WEF), North Association of Clean Water Agencies, The Water Research Foundation, US Water Alliance, and the WaterReuse organization.
The recognition underscores City Utilities’ innovative approach to sustainability through its unique microgrid initiative. This initiative, which is a first of its kind, combines floating solar panels, battery energy storage, and natural and biogas generation to power City Utilities largest facilities. The microgrid includes 12,230 floating solar panels on a sewer facility pond and will power the Three Rivers Filtration, Water Pollution Control, and the Wet-Weather Pump Station when operational.
The Microgrid system is part of City Utilities’ strategic goal to achieve zero energy emissions for utility energy sources by 2030. The project enhances energy resiliency by providing a backup power source during storms and reduces dependency on the electric grid. The system addresses rising energy costs and improves the economic efficiency of City Utilities’ facilities.
The Utility of the Future Today award celebrates City Utilities forward-thinking commitment to sustainable operations, resource recovery, and innovative practices. The national recognition was announced, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at a conference in New Orleans, and marks the fifth time City Utilities has won the Utility of the Future Award
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