Installing floating photovoltaic at Fort Lupton Waste Water Treatment Plant
How United Power partnered with Schneider Electric and the City of Fort Lupton to deploy a floating solar installation at Fort Luption Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Project overview
The Fort Lupton Microgrid Project, led by United Power in partnership with Schneider Electric and the City of Fort Lupton, is a community-scale demonstration project designed to enhance energy resilience at the city-owned water treatment plant (WTP). The project includes a 900-kilowatt floating solar array, a 1,720 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system, and a dispatchable 300-kilowatt natural gas generator. Together, these components will produce and manage approximately 1,575 megawatt-hours of renewable energy per year. This initiative not only improves the reliability of critical infrastructure but also reduces the carbon footprint of the community by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity, providing a model for energy systems in rural areas.
What challenge existed that the utility wanted to address?
Fort Lupton, a rural community in northern Colorado, has faced significant challenges related to infrastructure resiliency, particularly at its municipal WTP. The facility has struggled with power reliability due to an aging diesel generator and the increasing demands of water treatment operations. Additionally, Fort Lupton has contended with environmental and public health risks associated with industrial activities in the area, including air quality concerns from nearby facilities. These challenges, combined with barriers to grid expansion and modernization, highlighted the urgent need for resilient energy solutions. United Power, recognizing these issues, sought to implement innovative strategies to enhance the community’s energy resilience, reduce environmental impact, and support economic development.
What did the utility do to address the challenge?
United Power developed the Fort Lupton Microgrid Project to directly address these challenges. By deploying a 900-kilowatt floating solar array, a 1,720 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system, and a 300-kilowatt natural gas generator at the WTP, this project will provide a reliable, renewable energy source that reinforces United Powers grid while offering resiliency to the WTP. The floating solar array, in addition to generating energy, also offers environmental benefits by reducing algae blooms and minimizing water evaporation from the reservoir. This not only improves water quality but also contributes to better resource management in a region where water is a critical resource. The microgrid is designed to improve power quality, stability, and resilience, particularly during outages. Additionally, the project will help mitigate environmental impacts by decreasing emissions associated with fossil fuel-based energy generation.
Were alternatives considered? If so, what were they and why was the chosen project preferred?
Several alternatives were considered, including upgrading the existing diesel generator and installing conventional solar arrays. However, these options were less favorable due to their limited impact on long-term energy resilience. The decision to implement a floating solar array and battery storage system was driven by the need to maximize land use efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide a scalable solution that could serve as a model for other rural communities.
How does the project advance decarbonization?
The Fort Lupton Microgrid Project advances decarbonization by replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable solar power, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 1,102 tons of CO2 equivalent. The project also provides reliable energy to a rural community that has historically been underserved in terms of infrastructure investment. By reducing energy costs for the WTP, the project indirectly benefits the local population, particularly in disadvantaged areas, through higher renewable energy production and improved environmental conditions.
How were communities involved in planning and/or implementation of the project?
United Power actively engaged with the Fort Lupton community and key stakeholders to ensure the project aligns with community needs and priorities. Specifically, community input has been gathered through multiple stakeholder meetings with community leaders. Given that the project is located at an existing site—the Fort Lupton Water Treatment Plant—it is expected to have a very low impact on the broader community. Future outreach efforts will focus on keeping the community informed and involved as the project progresses.
What has the utility learned through the project?
United Power has learned the importance of early and ongoing community engagement in the successful implementation of innovative energy projects. The utility also recognizes the value of partnerships with experienced technology providers, such as Schneider Electric, to navigate the complexities of microgrid design and deployment. Other utilities considering similar projects should prioritize stakeholder involvement, ensure that project benefits are clearly communicated to the community, and be prepared to address challenges related to new technologies, such as the integration of renewable energy with existing infrastructure.
How was this project funded?
Funding for this project was provided by the Department of Energy through the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.
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