New Energy Technologies

Project Profile:  Microturbines Provide Clean Energy At Lewiston Wastewater Facility

Two 30-kilowatt (kW) microturbines are providing about one-third of the electricity needed to run the Town of Lewiston Water Pollution Control Center, a wastewater treatment facility. The low-profile microturbines are high in symbolic importance as the first application of this highly efficient, clean energy technology in municipal use in Western New York.

The twin Capstone Turbine Corp. units will allow the town to save about $40,000 annually on its electric bill, and, by replacing a diesel-generator at the end of its useful life, will cut atmospheric emissions by 90 percent, or about 30 tons each year. Microturbines are small turbo-generators, fueled by natural gas or, as at Lewiston, by anaerobic digester gas (ADG). ADG is a “free fuel” produced through sewage treatment plant operations. A renewable energy source, it produces both the electricity and, for added energy efficiency, heat used in the plant’s digestion process.

The New York Power Authority provided $125,000 for purchase and delivery of the units, design and engineering services related to demolition of the old system, installation and technical support. The town did much of the site preparation and installation work. Funding was augmented with $100,000 through the state Petroleum Overcharge Restitution fund.

In 2001 Governor George E. Pataki issued an executive order establishing energy efficiency and renewable energy goals for state buildings and vehicles, and encouraging local governments to pursue similar goals. The Lewiston project responds to the governor’s order. NYPA was authorized under the directive to assist municipalities.

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Location:
501 Pletcher Road, Lewiston, N.Y.

Host: Town of Lewiston Water Pollution Control Center

Rating: Two 30 kW units

Installation Date: June 2001

Manufacturer: Capstone Turbine Corporation

Fuel: Anaerobic digester gas