Microgrid design for water utilities: Fort Wayne’s approach with CDM Smith
Bob Crossen speaks with Laurel Schaich of CDM Smith about a microgrid initiative developed by Fort Wayne’s water utility in Indiana. The project connects the city’s drinking water plant, wastewater plant, and stormwater retention ponds under a single energy management system.
By integrating renewable energy sources—including floating solar panels, natural gas generators, and biogas-fueled combined heat and power—the utility aims to reduce electricity costs, improve resiliency, and maintain affordable rates for customers. Schaich outlines the planning, data analysis, and implementation challenges, and reflects on how this model could shape future energy strategies for utilities.
Key highlights with timestamps
- 00:24 – Fort Wayne’s energy challenges and microgrid origins
- 01:10 – Facilities connected through one microgrid system
- 01:38 – Role of the microgrid controller in energy management
- 02:35 – Cost control and customer protection benefits
- 03:15 – Implementation challenges and energy modeling
- 04:41 – Final system specs: solar and natural gas
- 05:42 – Outlook for microgrid adoption in utilities
- 06:20 – Diversification and renewable energy strategies
- 07:00 – Importance of backup systems for resiliency
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About the Author
Bob Crossen
Bob Crossen is the editorial director for the Endeavor Business Media Water Group, which publishes WaterWorld, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions. Crossen graduated from Illinois State University in Dec. 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in German and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He worked for Campbell Publications, a weekly newspaper company in rural Illinois outside St. Louis for four years as a reporter and regional editor.
Mandy Crispin
Mandy Crispin is the editor-in-chief of WaterWorld, having joined Endeavor Business Media in 2023. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has internal and external corporate communications experience in disparate industries including online retail, gaming, plastics and is now enjoying exploring the water utility space. Crispin can be reach at [email protected].