Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Hydro - October 10, 2024
City of Beaverton's Pump Station Adds Hydropower Turbine
The City of Beaverton announced achieving a significant milestone in its commitment to a more sustainable future by adding a hydropower turbine at a pump station.
Sexton Mountain Pump Station, a critical part of the city’s drinking water system, is now fully operational after more than a year of renovations. The pump station added a hydropower turbine, an innovative technology that generates constant clean energy as water moves through the system. This process allows Beaverton to effectively offset the typically high energy use of water delivery.
The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon helped support the renovation by funding half the projected costs of the hydropower turbine — approximately $450,000 — as well as the analysis and engineering work required.
“Sustainability is a core priority for our city, and we believe it must be woven into every aspect of our operations,” said Mayor Lacey Beaty in a statement. “Projects like these not only help reduce the city’s carbon emissions but also enhance our financial sustainability. Once again, Beaverton is at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that benefit our community and the environment, setting an example for others to follow.”
The City of Beaverton became one of the first cities in the state to essentially turn its municipal water delivery system into a renewable energy power generator with the addition of a hydropower turbine. This in-conduit hydropower turbine is expected to generate an estimated 426 megawatt-hours of carbon-free, renewable electricity a year or enough to offset approximately 27% of Sexton Mountain Pump Station’s energy load, saving the city thousands of dollars every year for the next 50 to 100 years.
Sexton Mountain is the city’s primary pump station, and the only one capable of lifting water to the Cooper Mountain Reservoir. By improving the station with hydropower and other efficiency upgrades, Beaverton is working to increase the capacity and reliability of its water delivery infrastructure while making sure drinking water and fire protection are available when needed.
As the city updates its Climate Action Plan during the next year, it plans to explore similar opportunities and partnerships to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, and improve the resilience of the community.
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