Cogentrix Energy to Conserve 22% of its Water
GE has recognized Cogentrix Energy, LLC for achievements in water reuse. The company's 120-megawatt power plant in Battleboro, N.C., has implemented a solution to conserve an estimated 3 million gallons of water annually, or the equivalent to approximately 22 percent of its current water usage.
Battleboro is recovering from a two-year drought that affected large areas of North Carolina, including Edgecombe County, where the Cogentrix plant is located. It was the state's worst drought since record keeping began and prompted municipalities to implement water-saving measures. The Tar River, which flows through Battleboro and nearby Rocky Mount, partially dried up at the height of the drought, imperiling marine life and impacting wetlands as well as freshwater aquifers.
Cogentrix wanted to improve its cooling system performance, which was hampered by scaling and fouling, resulting in decreased efficiencies, high operational costs and a significant dependence on municipal water for operations. Cooling water discharge posed another challenge, given tight state sampling requirements and more stringent regulations around discharge into the Tar River.
GE provided technology (including GenGard chemistry) and expertise that enabled the plant to use recycled cooling tower water for lime slakers and pug mills.
“We are pleased to present Cogentrix with an ecomagination Leadership Award in recognition for their significant efforts in water reuse,” said Adrian Peace, business leader for water and process technologies—North America for GE Power & Water.