At the October 25 Board Meeting, Sweetwater Authority’s (Authority) Governing Board received a $276,060 check from the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for its hydroelectric generation project at the Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant (Perdue Plant). The Authority contracted with NLine Energy for the development of the project. NLine Energy designed the project and secured up to $552,120 for the Authority in grant funding through the state’s Self-Generation Incentive Program, which is administered by the CSE. The first installment of the grant ($276,060) was awarded to the Authority upon completion of construction. Additional installments totaling up to an additional $276,060 will be received annually over the next five years based on the amount of power generated.
“The Self-Generation Incentive Program is part of California’s efforts to lead the nation in the adoption of clean energy technologies,” said Len Hering, RADM, USN (ret), CSE Executive Director and President. “Locally, San Diegans can benefit from such projects as the Sweetwater Authority’s new pressure reduction hydro-turbine installation as it produces renewable power, reduces electric grid demand, and helps curb fossil fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions."
The newly completed 590-kilowatt hydroelectric system harnesses high pressure from the imported water supply. The system routes the water to two turbines that reduce the pressure, while generators turn the mechanical energy into electricity. This form of hydroelectric generation, known as “in-conduit” generation, utilizes existing water conveyance pipes to produce electricity without burning fossil fuels, making it a renewable and sustainable source of power.
