Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future (SWIFt) Initiative

Wastewater treatment operations and processes at Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) consume considerable energy, and their energy requirements are only increasing with stricter effluent quality standards and growing direct and indirect water recycling demands. To operate cost effectively, sustainably, and reduce their carbon footprint, these critical utilities must deliberately manage their energy use and costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future (SWIFt) Initiative is designed to help public water and wastewater treatment facilities reduce their energy consumption and operating costs. The program provides customized technical assistance in four critical areas: energy data management, energy efficiency improvements, advanced technology integration, and project financing. Partners receive expert technical and financial training, one-on-one assistance, energy savings resources, data analysis tools, and peer networking opportunities.

The program is free, virtual, and open to all utility staff. Participants can request Professional Development Hours Certificates at the completion of the training. A kickoff meeting for participants will be held at the end of August 2022 with the training to begin in late September.

To sign up for the program, please complete the SWIFt training signup sheet and return to Rachel Scroggins at rachel.scroggins@ee.doe.gov.

Facilities that sign up will receive access to:  

• No-cost technical assessments conducted by DOE’s Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), which provide a comprehensive report that details actionable opportunities for improving energy efficiency identified during the assessment, including applicable rebates and incentives.
• Step-by-step guidance for tracking and managing energy performance and assistance selecting one of the no-cost data management tools from EPA or DOE that is best suited to your needs.
• Training on implementation and procurement of solar (e.g., solar arrays, rooftop solar, floating solar, and solar powered aerators) and in-line hydropower systems.
• DOE’s MEASUR Software Suite, a free tool that helps wastewater facilities optimize equipment efficiency (e.g., steam, process heating, pumps, fans, aerators, and compressed air) within a plant and model potential upgrade scenarios to measure energy and cost savings.
• Workshops featuring strategies for Process Energy Conservation and W3 Systems; Energy Mapping, BOD, and Pumping; Headworks, Treasure Hunts, & Blower Energy; Aeration Process Requirements; Sludge Quality, SRT, Fans; RAS Rate, State Points, & Energy Math; and Dewatering, Digestion, & Decarbonization.
• Strategies for funding and financing options as well as drafting a competitive grant application at the local, state, or federal level.
• One-on-one coaching to help facilities implement a strategic energy management system in line with ISO 50001.
• Opportunity to continue on through DOE’s Better Plants Program and receive your own free consultant at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Opportunities to network with other facilities who have successfully implemented next-gen technology and can share lessons learned.
• National recognition, including letters form DOE leadership, certificates, invitations to special events, media opportunities, and more.
• Professional Development Hours (PDHs) Certificates available upon request.

There are no obligations to participate, and partners can withdraw from the program at any time if scheduling conflicts arise.