EBMUD pilot project to generate hydroelectricity from water pressure in water pipelines
(UI) – The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has partnered with InPipe Energy to generate electricity from the flow of water in its water system. This investment in innovation supports EBMUD’s energy policy goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. This is the first installation of the InPipe technology in California.
The new in-conduit hydroelectric system works like traditional pressure regulating valves in EBMUD’s water distribution system but uses a turbine to reduce water pressure in the distribution pipeline while generating electricity, creating a reliable, clean source of power.
Installed in parallel with EBMUD’s Piedmont Regulator, InPipe’s in-conduit hydroelectric system will replicate the function of the existing regulator while generating approximately 130,000 kWh of emission-free energy per year for use onsite. This system is expected to offset nearly 6 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
EBMUD, California’s second-largest water and wastewater retail utility with 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, will evaluate the performance and economics of the pilot to determine if this site or other locations can offer a cost-effective source of zero-emission energy.
“We will continue to implement cutting-edge solutions to meet our energy and sustainability goals, which is good for our community and the planet,” said EBMUD General Manager Clifford Chan.
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