Advancing industrial resiliency and sustainability, together.
Water + Energy Forward is a consortium of 50+ organizations addressing the water-energy-waste nexus at small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater utilities in Wisconsin and beyond.
Who We Are
We are universities, nonprofits, manufacturers and wastewater utilities collaborating on economically feasible solutions to water and energy challenges.
Together, we are working to:
- Advance use-inspired research and development of technology that addresses pressing problems;
- Promote workforce development that reaches a broad and inclusive audience; and
- Develop innovative financing models that make it possible for small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater utilities to adopt new technology.
Water + Energy Forward
was initiated by The Water Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee.
A Pressing National Challenge
Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of our nation’s economy and supply chain. But they are being squeezed by increasing customer demands and regulatory pressure related to climate change. They lack the appropriate technologies, processes, talent and financial resources necessary to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance water stewardship.
Drawing on our region’s leading water and energy technology sectors, research universities and manufacturing workforce, the Water + Energy Forward Engine will develop critical water, energy and waste technology solutions tailored for small and medium-sized manufacturers and utilities. We will also develop the talent and financing necessary for companies to use the technologies, completing the cycle from research and development to commercial adoption.
Learn how we are addressing these needs in our work along three tracks:
Use-inspired
R&D
Inclusive
Workforce
Innovative
Financing
Why Wisconsin?
The share of Wisconsin’s workforce dedicated to manufacturing is the highest in the United States. Wisconsin manufacturers generate 20% of state GDP, and the state’s wastewater utilities are essential to their operational continuity.
Wisconsin is home to more than 9,000 manufacturers, and many of them are small businesses. Compared to large- and mega-sized firms, they face greater hurdles in accessing and implementing technology that addresses societal, regional and industry-specific challenges. The same is true for smaller utilities.
Helping address that challenge are Wisconsin’s 240 water technology companies and over 700 energy technology and controls companies, many of whom have headquarters and research operations here.
What is an Innovation Engine?
Water + Energy Forward is a proud aspiring innovation engine through the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program.
Innovation Engines exist to advance critical technologies, address national and societal challenges, foster partnership, promote and stimulate economic growth and job creation, and spur regional innovation and talent.
In 2023, the NSF awarded an inaugural NSF Engines Development Award to The Water Council and its partners, which commenced work to build the collaborative effort that has become Water + Energy Forward. Read more about the NSF grant and anticipated milestones.
A panel of water industry leaders spoke at the WEFTEC Global Center this week in New Orleans, addressing workforce development challenges in the sector. Serving on the panel were Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council; Karine Rougé, CEO for municipal water at Veolia North America; Scott Beeney, Veolia North America regional manager;…
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that The Water Council has been selected for a Regional Innovation Cluster Award of $2.5 million as it continues to build support for the water technology sector from its headquarters in Milwaukee, one of the world’s most mature water technology clusters. Through this five-year award, The Water Council…
The momentum continues to increase for our Water + Energy Forward Engine! September was packed with activities and announcements, including an important partnership on workforce development, a community forum to enhance engine inclusion and the expansion of our engine leadership team. Water + Energy Forward (W+E Forward) is a consortium of 50+ organizations addressing the water-energy-waste nexus…
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