LATEST NEWS from STEN

New Initiative Positions Massachusetts as a National Leader in Wastewater Energy Recovery & Building Decarbonization

The Sewer Thermal Energy Network (STEN), a leading advocate for the advancement of wastewater energy recovery technologies across North America, enthusiastically endorses the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) newly launched Wastewater Energy Recovery (WWER) Pilot Grant Program. The groundbreaking initiative will provide funding to support the assessment, design, and construction of wastewater energy recovery projects throughout Massachusetts, helping communities, institutions, utilities, and private organizations harness a clean, renewable source of thermal energy that flows beneath our streets every day.

"Massachusetts is taking a bold and visionary step toward a cleaner energy future," said Paul Kohl, Chairman of STEN. "This program recognizes that wastewater is not simply something to be treated and discharged—it is an untapped renewable energy resource capable of providing reliable heating and cooling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels."

The MassDEP program supports projects at publicly and privately owned wastewater facilities, municipal and state-owned buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, housing developments, commercial facilities, and industrial properties. Through a phased funding approach, applicants can receive support for Phase 1 –Energy Assessments, Phase 2 –Project Design, and Phase 3 –Construction.

Tapping Into an Existing Source for Thermal Energy

The initiative aims to accelerate deployment of a proven technology that already has hundreds of successful installations worldwide. Wastewater energy recovery systems capture thermal energy from sewer flows and transfer that energy through heat pumps to provide highly efficient building heating, cooling, and domestic hot water. The technology offers a practical pathway to decarbonize buildings while reducing operating costs and improving energy resilience.

As communities across North America seek practical solutions to meet climate goals and electrify building heating systems, wastewater energy recovery represents one of the most reliable and underutilized renewable energy resources available. Unlike solar and wind energy, wastewater thermal energy is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a stable source of heating and cooling energy for buildings and district energy systems.

Encouraging Collaboration & Creating a Pathway

STEN particularly applauds MassDEP's emphasis on environmental justice and its prioritization of projects serving Massachusetts' burdened communities. By directing clean energy investments into areas disproportionately affected by environmental and economic challenges, the Commonwealth is ensuring that the benefits of energy innovation are shared equitably. The program also encourages collaboration among municipalities, utilities, educational institutions, technology providers, and private-sector partners, creating opportunities for innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth.

The Massachusetts program establishes a model that other states can follow. By funding every stage of project development—from feasibility studies through construction—Massachusetts is helping bridge one of the biggest barriers to adoption and creating a pathway for communities to transform wastewater infrastructure into clean energy infrastructure.

STEN’s Commitment to Sustainability

Sewer Thermal Energy Network is dedicated to advancing the adoption of wastewater and sewer thermal energy systems as a scalable, renewable energy solution for building decarbonization. Through education, advocacy, technical collaboration, and industry engagement, STEN works to promote the recovery of thermal energy from wastewater systems to support sustainable communities and resilient energy infrastructure.

STEN encourages municipalities, wastewater utilities, colleges and universities, hospitals, housing authorities, developers, and facility owners throughout Massachusetts to explore the opportunities presented by the WWER Pilot Grant Program and become leaders in the next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

BECOME A MEMBER of STEN

The Sewer Thermal Energy Network supports municipalities, utilities, and other entities with education, capacity building, and networking opportunities to advance sustainable energy solutions. As a STEN member, you’ll join a group of the most influential professionals in the industry - leaders and decision-makers who are working together to shape the future of sewer heat recovery solutions. Please consider becoming a member of STEN today!