The second-largest water provider in Colorado will generate a new source of renewable energy using InPipe Energy’s HydroXS system to pursue sustainability goals and tackle energy costs.
HydroXS uses innovative new pump-as-turbine technology co-developed with Grundfos
Aurora, Co. January 8, 2025— Aurora Water in Colorado has selected InPipe Energy to install an in-conduit hydroelectric system that generates electricity from the flow of water in its drinking water system. This innovative investment supports the city’s goal of using more renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
InPipe Energy’s HydroXS system is a turnkey energy recovery system that easily integrates with existing water pipeline infrastructure, similar to a smart pressure reduction valve. Energy recovered from the HydroXS can be used to power critical infrastructure onsite or net-metered back to the grid. This patented system replaces the existing pressure-reducing valve at Aurora Water’s Gun Club pressure regulator facility, converting pressure typically dissipated in a water system into a reliable, clean source of renewable energy.
“Aurora Water is always looking for opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to fighting climate change,” said Marshall Brown, General Manager at Aurora Water. “This approach from InPipe Energy makes sense, and we’re happy that we can evaluate this project and look for future opportunities to deploy the HydroXS across our service area to achieve our efficiency, sustainability, and resilience goals.”
The 60-kilowatt HydroXS will go online in June 2024 and generate an estimated 255,000 kilowatt-hours of emission-free energy per year, offsetting 3,400 tons of carbon emissions over the project’s lifetime.
This project is the first HydroXS installation in Colorado and the first system that utilizes an innovative new pump-as-a- turbine that InPipe Energy co-developed with Grundfos, a leading global pump and water solutions company. “Millions of miles of pipelines carrying enormous amounts of potential energy lie beneath our streets and can be tapped to generate carbon-free electricity,” says Gregg Semler, CEO and Founder of InPipe Energy. “This project in Aurora is a view into a future where we can use water in pipelines to create an abundant, predictable and reliable source of renewable energy that will help make water more available and affordable for people all over the world.”
In addition to energy generation, the HydroXS reduces non-revenue water (NRW) loss and provides real-time operations and sustainability data. The City of Aurora is one of the first cities in Colorado to benefit from recent net metering rules for renewable energy generation that improve the economics for investments in green energy infrastructure. This HydroXS project qualifies as an eligible resource under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
About Aurora Water
Aurora Water is a municipal utility that provides drinking water to over 400,000 residents living in Aurora, Colorado. As one of the largest cities in the state not located near major water sources, Aurora has been innovative in how it manages its precious water resources. Aurora Water’s mission is to enhance and protect the quality of life for Aurora citizens by providing safe, dependable and sustainable water, sewer and stormwater services, today and in the future. From drastically reducing water consumption through conservation and pioneering potable reuse, Aurora has a proven track record of looking for creative, cost effective and environmentally friendly ways to meet its community’s water needs.
Aurora Water Media Contacts:
Shonnie Cline, Aurora Water Public Relations Manager, 303.739.6568, [email protected]
Rory Franklin, Aurora Water Senior Communications Strategist, 303.326.8854, [email protected]
About InPipe Energy
InPipe Energy is on a mission to help the world decarbonize by creating clean energy from water pipeline infrastructure. Our flagship product, the HydroXS is a patented energy recovery system that combines micro-hydroelectric technology with pressure controls that easily integrate into pipelines and generate a new source of renewable energy.InPipe provides a turnkey process to support water managers eager to be more efficient, sustainable and resilient. InPipe works with water-intensive industries to secure funding to cover the cost of these projects.
www.inpipeenergy.com.
About Grundfos
Grundfos pioneers solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges to improve the quality of life for people. As a leading global pump and water solutions company, Grundfos is committed to respecting, protecting, and advancing the flow of water; by providing energy and water efficient solutions and systems for a wide range of applications for water utilities, industries, and buildings.
Find out more: grundfos.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grundfos/
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