Deadline: 1-Feb-22
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is pleased to announce Net Zero Energy (NZE) Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) Program to encourage WWTPs to take a holistic approach integrating energy efficiency, renewable self-generation and best practices.
The Foundation aims to fund projects that demonstrate the energy potential of wastewater and feasibility of site NZE operation in the sector. The Foundation’s Net Zero Energy Wastewater Treatment Program will award grants to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) committed to achieving and maintaining site net zero energy (NZE) performance or better.
Plants must maximize energy efficiency and offset all of their energy consumption with on-site generation from renewable resources. Grant payments will be tied to performance. These flagship facilities will educate the public and professionals and contribute to the knowledge of operating site NZE WWTPs.
Funding Guidelines
- Funding is available for up to 50% of the project cost or $500,000, whichever is less. Total grant support is limited to $2 million per plant. Each grant includes up to 2.5% (up to $12,500, whichever is less) for permanent educational signage and displays.
- Facilities considered for funding must have an energy plan that includes a long-term commitment to site net zero energy.
- Support is only available to projects selected to receive a grant and is determined on a case-by-case basis during the application review period.
- The Foundation will steer its support to those measures that maximize energy efficiency and self-generation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Foundation prior to requesting funds, especially in the case of a major renovation or work planned through an ESCO energy performance contract.
- Reaching the site net zero energy goal may depend on implementing a series of measures over several years. Eligible applicants may apply for support during successive grant cycles.
- Grants will be paid after successful implementation and performance:
- Up to 60% upon project completion/start-up
- Up to 40% after 12 consecutive months of net zero energy performance
- The Foundation anticipates extensive interaction with applicants to determine the incentive profile and amounts of individual awards.
- Applicants may be awarded a grant at a lower amount than requested.
Eligible Projects
- Must track and make public their energy performance data
- Must share information on the practices and technologies used; disseminate learnings at conferences and in trade publication
- May use ESCOs/performance-based contracts
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants:
- Publicly owned and operated wastewater treatment facilities, either by local government or public agency established by legislative action
- Facilities must be designed and scheduled to operate on a 24/7/365 basis
Note: ALL applicants are required to provide a letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming their Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Criteria
- Facility-wide energy plan and long-term commitment to site net zero energy
- Located in Illinois
- Must not have started construction
- Provide public access for educational purposes
- Showcase net zero energy mission including through permanent displays and highly visible signage
- Must retire any environmental attributes (i.e. renewable energy credits, emission offsets, etc.) associated with the project.
For more information, visit https://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/energy-program/net-zero-energy-wastewater-treatment-plants/