Ameresco, Inc., a leading provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, and the City of Pendleton, Oregon, have celebrated the completion of a 240-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic canopy system at the Pendleton Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This project marks the installation of the first solar canopy of its kind in the region and supports Pendleton’s broader goals of enhancing energy resilience and sustainability.
The new solar canopy is expected to produce approximately 325,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year, covering about 30% of the facility’s total energy needs. In addition to reducing the city’s energy costs and environmental impact, the canopy provides shade for the facility’s chlorine contact chamber. This helps regulate water temperature, which in turn improves water quality and supports a healthier aquatic environment downstream.
The project was developed through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Ameresco. Under this model, Ameresco offered both performance and pricing guarantees, ensuring that the City of Pendleton would receive reliable and cost-effective results. The contract also emphasized participation from local and disadvantaged businesses, reinforcing Pendleton’s commitment to inclusive economic development.
Kyle Willman, Superintendent, at Wastewater Treatment Resource Recovery Facility, stated, “This project marks a major step forward in our commitment to developing efficient and resilient solutions for our city. The solar canopy not only helps reduce our energy costs and environmental footprint, but it also enhances the performance of our wastewater treatment facility in ways that benefit the entire community. We’re grateful for our partnership with Ameresco and for the state and local support that made this forward-thinking investment possible.”
Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco, mentioned, “We are proud to partner with the City of Pendleton in its mission to build a resilient future. This solar canopy project is a great example of how innovative energy solutions can deliver meaningful economic benefits and support essential city infrastructure. We’re not only improving operational efficiency but also contributing to the health of the local ecosystem and empowering the community with long-term energy savings.”
Funding for the solar project came from a mix of sources, including grants from the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Program (C-REP), utility incentives, and city resources. This collaborative funding approach made it possible to bring the project to life without placing a financial burden on local taxpayers. As part of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure improvement effort at the WWTRRF, the City is also exploring the addition of a battery energy storage system (BESS) in the near future. This would further enhance the facility’s energy independence and reduce operating costs, while helping to make the wastewater treatment process even more reliable and sustainable.
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