The Net-Zero Energy Plan

The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District aims to be energy neutral by 2025. That means we intend to produce as much or more energy than we consume.

The first phase of this plan was install two CHP (Combined Heat and Power) generators to power our facility. These generators are fueled by biogas that is a natural byproduct of the wastewater treatment process. Anaerobic bacteria in our digesters break down biological solids and turn them into water and methane. This methane is captured and used to power the generators.

The District has identified open areas on our property that could be suitable for solar panel arrays, which could generate more than 4,000 more kilowatt-hours of electricity each day.

The final phase of our Net-Zero Energy Plan involves installing a micro-turbine at the point our treated water discharges into the Kishwaukee River. This would use the flow of the District's discharge to generate electricity through hydrokinetic power.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

KWRD isn't generating all this energy to keep it to ourselves. We've installed six spaces in our public parking lot where drivers can plug in and recharge their electric vehicles for free. The lot, at 1301 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, is open 24/7. Just drive up and plug in.

While you wait for your car to charge up, you can visit one of the many shops, restaurants, or recreation outlets within a short walk of our facility.