Aug. 12, 2011 - City solar system celebrates one year of clean energy production

Contact:
Mike Banuelos, Public Works, 303-441-4073
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.boulderwater.net

City solar system celebrates one year of clean energy production

After more than a year of operation, the solar system at the city’s 75th Street Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) has produced 1, 485,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy.  Comprised of 4,464 photovoltaic panels, the system had a first-year production of approximately 96 percent of its annual energy-generation potential.

“The City of Boulder has a long history of green facilities, practices and programs,” said Director of Public Works for Utilities Ned Williams.  “This solar system is a proud addition to the Utilities Division clean energy portfolio and really helps offset the energy used at the facility.” 

Over the last year, the system has operated with marked efficiency and reliability, providing about 15 percent of the WWTF annual power needs.  On a clear, sunny day it can provide up to 67 percent of the facilities’ total power requirements.

If that same power was produced by coal, it would consume 1,538,876 pounds of coal.  If consumed, the coal would have produced:

• Approximately 3,204,825 pounds of carbon dioxide;
• Approximately 18,252 pounds of sulfur dioxide; and
• Approximately 8,550 pounds of nitrous oxide.

As Williams indicated, the Utilities Division has been producing and using, clean and renewable energy for some time.  A process called cogeneration is also used at the WWTF.  Cogeneration utilizes the methane gas from the wastewater treatment process to produce heat and electricity.  Since it began operations in 1987, the cogeneration facility has produced more than 50 million kWh of electricity.  When combined with the solar power generation, renewable sources accounted for an average of 37 percent of the power used at the WWTF during the past year. 

Additionally, the division operates eight hydroelectric facilities.  In operation since 1985, more than 426 million kWh of electricity have been produced and has prevented the burning of 213,000 tons of coal.  The electricity generated by Boulder's hydroelectric facilities is sold to Xcel Energy for delivery to their customers. Each year, hydroelectric revenues for the city are about $2 million.

For more information about the solar system, visit the project website.  For more information about the division’s clean energy history, contact Ned Williams at 303-441-3209.

Last Updated on Friday, 05 October 2012 08:53