Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator in energy efficiency and renewable energy, has announced its partnership with the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) to launch a transformative energy program aimed at enhancing the resilience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of RUSA’s critical facilities, including its main office, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Natural Treatment System (NTS). The Oregon Department of Energy has allocated nearly $18 million in Community Renewable Energy Grant Program funds to 34 recipients, with RUSA receiving approximately $2.9 million for three projects facilitated by Ameresco.
The awarded grants include:
- $1,000,000 for an 800kW solar PV installation expected to generate 1.2 MWh annually, offsetting 44% of the WWTP’s energy usage and supporting RUSA’s commitment to sustainability.
- $870,870 for a 50kW solar PV array designed to produce 51,580 kWh annually, covering 100% of energy needs at RUSA’s administrative offices, which manage essential sewer operations for the community. This project includes a 186 kW battery storage system.
- $1,000,000 for a 400kW floating solar PV system, projected to generate 536,074 kWh annually, offsetting 64% of the NTS’s energy use. This initiative will maximize energy generation, enhance land efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and improve the ecological health of the pond by reducing evaporation and algae growth.
This collaboration reflects a broader trend as public utilities seek renewable energy solutions to lower costs, enhance energy resilience, and meet community needs. Ameresco will lead the design, construction, and integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across RUSA’s facilities, building on insights from a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit (TEA) that identified energy-saving opportunities. The project is guided by an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), ensuring both energy savings and optimal system performance. RUSA successfully applied for all three available grants from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Community Renewable Energy Program (C-REP) and is also pursuing additional funding through various public and private resources, including the Inflation Reduction Act Investment Tax Credits.
“Wastewater treatment plants are among the most energy-intensive public services, making RUSA’s projects a critical step in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability,” stated Lou Maltezos, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. “This partnership serves as a model for public entities to implement innovative solutions that address modern energy challenges while advancing community welfare.”
The solar PV installations are set to significantly reduce energy consumption across RUSA’s facilities, reflecting the growing acknowledgment of renewable energy’s environmental benefits and financial viability within the wastewater treatment sector.
