BJERRINGBRO, Denmark (Dec. 12, 2016)—A project in Chicago aims to show how wastewater treatment can be done in a more energy efficient way, according to a statement from Grundfos.
In the future, the Glenbard Wastewater Facility, near Chicago, could be the place other American water companies look to for inspiration for efficient and energy-wise wastewater treatment. A new project led by Water Technology Alliance Chicago, consisting of leading Danish water technology companies, will upgrade the wastewater treatment plant. This will not only secure better quality of the treated water, but also substantially reduce the energy consumption.
The project is a development and demonstration project, and is expected to be complete in 2019. By then, the groups expect the project will help develop, adjust and demonstrate Danish wastewater technology in the U.S. in full scale.
“The potential is good,” said Thomas Morrison, executive vice president, Water Utility at Grundfos in the U.S. “In the U.S., there is an increased focus on efficient and environmentally friendly water technologies, and in Grundfos, we have the knowledge and the products that can help do something. At the same time, there is a great business potential in upgrading other treatment plants in the country.”
The development opportunities are further increased by an expectation of tougher demands for the quality of the wastewater being discharged in the U.S. On top of that, an ESCO (energy service companies) financing concept will make it easier for the plant owners to upgrade. Here, the costs of the upgrade will initially be held by the company behind it, and the buyer pays afterward through the achieved energy savings.
Water Technology Alliance Chicago is a collaboration between a number of Danish water technology companies, Aarhus Vand and The Trade Council. The upgrade of Glenbard Wastewater Facility is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Food’s environmental development funds with 10 million Danish Kroner in total.
The Danish companies participating in the project are AVK, Danfoss, DHI, Landia, LINAK, Nissen Energiteknik, Stjernholm and Grundfos.