The City of Tualatin in Oregon, US, has completed a 56kW in-pipe hydropower system that recovers excess pressure from its drinking water supply to generate electricity.
Developed by Oregon-based InPipe Energy, the system is installed where water from Bull Run Reservoir enters the city’s distribution network. It generates power without interrupting water delivery and is expected to produce more than 270,000kWh annually.
The city said the projected output would be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of its City Services facility, delivering estimated annual savings of US$26,000.
Additional infrastructure installed alongside the hydropower system will support planned resilience upgrades. Tualatin intends to add a microgrid and large battery to supply critical municipal buildings during major outages or emergencies.
“Building a more resilient Tualatin is central to our climate action plan,” said Frank Bubenik, mayor of Tualatin. “This project shows how we can use innovative infrastructure to strengthen reliability and lay the groundwork for future backup power. It’s the kind of smart investment that can improve reliability, reduce energy costs and help protect our community for the long term.”
Grants, incentives and an anticipated federal investment tax credit account for more than 85% of the project’s US$920,000 total cost.
Energy Trust of Oregon provided more than US$270,000 in cash incentives and supported the project’s design. Other funding came from Portland General Electric’s Green Future Renewable Development Fund and a grant from the Oregon Department of Energy.
“This project will generate renewable power while helping Tualatin reduce its energy costs year after year, leaving more resources available for other community priorities,” said Tracy Scott, director of energy programs at Energy Trust of Oregon.
Congresswoman Andrea Salinas joined city leaders, state energy officials and project partners to mark completion of the installation.
The area surrounding the turbine was also replanted with native, wildlife-friendly species to meet Backyard Habitat Certification Program standards. The programme is run by Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon.
