Broward County’s Cogeneration and FOG System

The Challenge

A community-wide commitment to greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy goals

Project Overview

Broward County, Florida, with approximately 2 million residents, partnered with Opterra as a “one-stop-shop” procurement vehicle to implement a modernization initiative aimed at improving wastewater treatment facilities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Benefits

Energy

• Cogeneration engine generator offsets utility power purchase by 25%
• Biogas cleaning system for efficient energy production

Savings

• $26 million in guaranteed savings over 17 years
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 8,893 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 1,879 cars from the road

Community

• Recognized for sustainability leadership at the Southeast Florida Climate Compact conference
• Enhanced facility operations and reduced energy costs

Energy Assessment and Strategy

The project began with an evaluation of the county’s wastewater treatment facilities. Opterra recommended a cogeneration system which uses biogas produced during anaerobic digestion to generate electricity. Additionally, an innovative FOG (fats, oils, and grease) waste management system transforms urban waste into savings by creating methane for electricity generation, reducing the energy required for treatment processes.

Implementation and Funding

Broward County implemented the cogeneration system, which includes a methane-fueled engine-generator capable of producing up to 1.99 MW of power. The project guarantees savings of more than $26 million over 17 years.