The City of Arvin, California, and Veolia recently unveiled a new solar energy installation that will power the city’s wastewater treatment plant, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and providing financial and environmental benefits to the community.
The 1-megawatt solar array at the City of Arvin, which serves nearly 21,000 residents, is projected to eliminate 360 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually — equivalent to taking 80 cars off the road, according to a press release from Veolia. Over 30 years, the project is expected to save Arvin taxpayers more than $17 million, making it a model for sustainable infrastructure investment. The energy generated will provide approximately 90% of the wastewater plants’ annual needs.
Veolia has operated and maintained the City of Arvin’s wastewater treatment plant for more than a decade.
The solar project, which is part of Veolia’s GreenUp strategy, is being financed through a blend of low-interest municipal financing and funding from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in advancing clean energy goals.
“This project demonstrates Arvin’s leadership in building a sustainable and resilient community,” said Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderon. “By investing in renewable energy, we are not only protecting our environment but also ensuring long-term savings for our residents.”
Veolia’s Senior Vice President of Energy Transition, Will Darmouni, added, “Through close collaboration with the City of Arvin, we have delivered an integrated energy and water solution that will serve as a blueprint for cities across California and beyond. This project shows how clean energy investments in water infrastructure can drive real progress in decarbonization while delivering tangible economic benefits.”
As part of Arvin’s climate action plan to achieve 100% renewable energy for municipal use by 2040, the city continues to lead in sustainability pioneering an all-electric city bus fleet.
Veolia said the decarbonized wastewater treatment plant marks the latest achievement in the city’s ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard public health. As a small community, Arvin also aimed to improve operational resilience while advancing environmental goals and reducing its carbon footprint.
The City of Arvin and Veolia, together with local stakeholders, were proud to celebrate this milestone and set a new standard for clean, resilient municipal infrastructure.
Source: Veolia North America
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