Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) Partners with Ameresco to Drive Renewable Energy Innovation and Resilience in Wastewater Management

Rhea-AI Summary

Ameresco (NYSE: AMRC) announced a partnership with Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) to implement renewable energy solutions across their facilities. RUSA secured $2.9 million in grants from Oregon's Community Renewable Energy Grant Program for three major solar projects: an 800kW solar PV system at their wastewater treatment plant, a 50kW solar array with battery storage at administrative offices, and a 400kW floating solar system at their Natural Treatment System. These installations will offset 44%, 100%, and 64% of energy usage at respective facilities. The project includes comprehensive energy-saving measures, battery storage systems, and community education initiatives.

Positive

• Secured $2.9 million in government grants for renewable energy projects
• Project guarantees energy savings through Energy Savings Performance Contract
• Additional funding potential through Inflation Reduction Act Investment Tax Credits
• Will reduce operational costs through significant energy usage offsets (44-100%)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

This $2.9 million grant-funded project represents a notable win for Ameresco, strengthening their position in the public utilities sector. The deal includes three significant solar installations that will generate recurring revenue through the Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). The project's scope encompasses an 800kW solar PV system, a 50kW array with battery storage and a 400kW floating solar system.

The project's financial impact extends beyond the initial grant funding, as Ameresco will benefit from additional revenue streams through the Inflation Reduction Act Investment Tax Credits. While this single contract won't significantly move the needle for a company with a $1.65 billion market cap, it demonstrates Ameresco's continued success in securing government contracts and their expanding footprint in the wastewater treatment sector, which represents a growing market opportunity.

Environmental Technology Expert

The implementation of floating solar PV technology in this project is particularly innovative, offering multiple benefits beyond power generation. This solution addresses several critical challenges in wastewater treatment: reducing evaporation, controlling algae growth and managing effluent temperatures. The combination of solar PV with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) demonstrates a comprehensive approach to energy management that could serve as a model for other wastewater facilities.

The projected energy offset figures are impressive - 44% for the main plant, 100% for administrative offices and 64% for the Natural Treatment System. These substantial reductions in grid dependency showcase the potential for renewable energy integration in water treatment facilities, a sector that typically accounts for up to 4% of national electricity consumption.

This Energy Savings Performance Contract sets a new standard for renewable energy adoption in public utilities, enhancing infrastructure resilience, reducing costs, and fostering community engagement

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & ROSEBURG, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced its collaboration with the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) to implement a transformative energy program. This collaboration aims to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of RUSA's key facilities, including its main office, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Natural Treatment System (NTS).

RUSA's Water Reclamation Facility (Photo: Business Wire)

The Oregon Department of Energy has selected 34 recipients to receive nearly $18 million in Community Renewable Energy Grant Program funds. With the assistance of Ameresco, RUSA was awarded almost $2.9 million in grant funds for three projects.

• A grant of $1,000,000 toward the installation of 800kW solar PV designed to generate 1.2 MWh annually to offset 44 percent of the wastewater treatment plant’s energy usage and supporting RUSA’s goal to be a sustainable community partner.
• A grant of $870,870 toward the installation of 50kW solar PV array designed to generate 51,580 kWh annually to offset 100 percent of the energy usage, with 186 kW battery storage system at RUSA’s administrative offices. The administration office serves as a critical hub for managing and overseeing essential sanitary sewer operations for the community.
• A grant of $1,000,000 toward the installation of a 400kW floating solar PV system designed to generate 536,074 kWh annually to offset 64 percent of the Natural Treatment System (NTS) energy usage. The project will maximize energy generation and land efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and curb evaporation and algae growth to enhance the ecological heath of the pond and lower effluent temperatures to the river.

The collaboration between RUSA and Ameresco aligns with a broader industry shift as public utilities increasingly explore renewable energy solutions to reduce costs, boost energy resilience, and meet community needs. Under the collaboration, Ameresco will oversee the design, construction, and integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across RUSA’s facilities, building on a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit (TEA) conducted to identify energy-saving opportunities. The project will include the development of renewable energy solutions, focusing on solar PV technology and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Guided by an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), Ameresco guarantees both energy savings and optimal system performance. These projects are made possible through the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Community Renewable Energy Program (C-REP) grants. The RUSA team applied for three grants and received all three, allowing these projects to kickoff together. Furthermore, RUSA is working to securing additional funding through other public and private resources, including the Inflation Reduction Act Investment Tax Credits.

“As wastewater treatment plants are among the most energy-intensive public services, RUSA’s projects represent a critical step forward in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability,” said Lou Maltezos, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. “This collaboration is a great model for how public entities can implement innovative solutions to address modern energy challenges while advancing community welfare.”

The solar PV installations will play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption across RUSA's facilities. This strategic move reflects the growing recognition within the wastewater treatment industry of renewable energy's environmental benefits and financial viability.

RUSA's focus on community engagement and educational opportunities further sets this project apart. Alongside the physical infrastructure improvements, RUSA and Ameresco are working to develop an energy education curriculum for the local school district. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation and foster community-wide awareness of the importance of renewable energy technologies.

“Our work with Ameresco is more than an investment in renewable energy; it is an investment in the future of our community,” said Jim Baird, General Manager of RUSA. “By reducing our energy costs and strengthening our infrastructure’s resilience, we are positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable wastewater management while ensuring that we continue to serve the public effectively during emergencies.”

Beyond the immediate benefits of energy savings and resilience, this project supports local economic development through job creation and the involvement of disadvantaged businesses. By prioritizing an inclusive and diverse workforce, RUSA showcases how renewable energy initiatives can contribute positively to the community's economic fabric.

For more information about Ameresco and its renewable energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority
Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA) is a public utility dedicated to the management and treatment of wastewater for the City of Roseburg and the outlying area included in the Urban Growth Boundary. Established to protect public health and the environment, RUSA operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and a Natural Treatment System (NTS), focusing on sustainable water management practices. Committed to innovation and community welfare, RUSA continuously strives to implement renewable energy solutions and infrastructure upgrades, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible wastewater management. RUSA’s mission is to provide high-quality services while promoting resource conservation and reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

The announcement of an award of a customer’s project contract is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such award, of Ameresco’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in Ameresco’s overall total project backlog. This project was included in Ameresco’s previously reported awarded backlog as of June 30, 2024.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241025441485/en/

Media:

Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com

RUSA: Jim Baird, 541-672-1551, jbaird@rusa-or.org

Source: Ameresco, Inc.

FAQ

What grants did RUSA receive for its Ameresco (AMRC) partnership?

RUSA received $2.9 million in grants from Oregon's Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, including $1 million for an 800kW solar PV system, $870,870 for a 50kW solar array with battery storage, and $1 million for a 400kW floating solar system.

How much energy will Ameresco's (AMRC) solar installations save for RUSA?

The installations will offset 44% of the wastewater treatment plant's energy usage, 100% of the administrative offices' energy usage, and 64% of the Natural Treatment System's energy usage.

What types of renewable energy systems is Ameresco (AMRC) installing for RUSA?

Ameresco is installing three solar PV systems: an 800kW system at the wastewater treatment plant, a 50kW array with 186kW battery storage at administrative offices, and a 400kW floating solar system at the Natural Treatment System.