Wedoany.com Report-May 31, The city of Janesville, Wisconsin, has enhanced its wastewater treatment operations with a gas-fired microgrid powered by biofuel-fired microturbines from Capstone Green Energy. The expansion, managed by Capstone distributor Vergent Power, includes the addition of two C65 microturbines, one C200S microturbine, and a Vergent controller, increasing the facility’s on-site generation capacity to 460 kW.

The project builds on an existing 2010 installation of two operational C65 microturbines. A C200 microturbine was commissioned in November 2024, followed by two additional C65 microturbines in April 2025. David Botts, Utility Director for the City of Janesville, stated: “Our facility is operating a new microturbine at a fraction of the cost. Vergent has been excellent at handling the upgrade for us, with minimal involvement from our team. Having access to so many external funding programs allows us the ability to lower our carbon footprint on a sustainable basis for our community.”

The microturbines operate in a combined heat and power (CHP) system, using digester gas as fuel. Waste heat is captured to provide thermal energy for the facility’s anaerobic digesters, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The microgrid enhances resilience, ensuring reliable power during outages, a trend seen in similar projects in Camarillo, California, Sacramento, Houston, and the District of Columbia.

Janesville’s decision to expand its Capstone system was driven by the technology’s proven reliability and performance, supported by financial incentives. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and a Department of Energy (DOE) ITAC grant, covering 90% of project costs, facilitated the upgrade. These incentives align with the city’s goal of improving energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

The project reflects a growing reliance on gas-fired microgrids for critical water and sewer operations across the U.S., offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Janesville’s upgraded system demonstrates how municipalities can leverage advanced technology and funding to enhance infrastructure and support community sustainability goals.