Direct use of Geothermal Energy at the San Bernardino Wastewater Treatment Plant

This report provides a chronological and technical evaluation of the successful use of geothermal energy in San Bernardino, California to provide heating for wastewater treatment facilities. The annual cost savings for the currently tested system is more than $29,425 for the single anaerobic digester now being heated. Expansion of the wastewater facility, resulting in two additional digesters, could result in three geothermal heated digesters on line--a minimum of two. This expanded usage, together with expected natural gas price increases, should result in recovery of all investment costs in less than ten years