Our Work

Laying the Foundation

We determined Water + Energy Forward Engine, based in Wisconsin, will address water, energy, and waste technology innovation with a particular focus on helping small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce water and energy material risks and convert waste to value.

Upon receiving an NSF Engines Development Award in 2023, The Water Council and its partners started laying a foundation for collaboration across industry, utilities, universities, non-profits and more. Through focus groups held around the region, we zeroed in on small- and medium manufacturers and identified two primary two primary manufacturing sectors as our initial focus areas:

  • Food and beverage
  • Pulp and paper

Both of these industries are water-intensive and offer meaningful opportunities for positive change at the water- energy-waste nexus. The NSF award requires prominent focus on what it terms "use-inspired research & development," which is the first of our three main tracks.

Track 1

Use-Inspired R&D

Use-inspired research aims to develop solutions for real problems in society – in this case, reducing water and energy risks and finding better uses for waste in manufacturing and utilities. Collaboration among academics, researchers, industry and end users is key.

Track 2

Inclusive Workforce

Our second track emphasizes the opportunity—and importance—of ensuring the benefits of this economic engine support a vibrant and inclusive workforce. We need a skilled workforce to help grow Wisconsin’s water and energy technology sector, and we want to make sure all populations feel the engine’s benefits.

Track 3

Innovative Financing

Even when the technology does exist to help SMEs become more sustainable, the businesses can’t afford it. Our Engine is exploring nontraditional ways to help finance the transition to resilient, climate-friendly manufacturing.

A More Detailed View

For those interested in digging deeper into the vision and work of Water + Energy Forward, we are pleased to share the following project summary developed as part of our NSF grant process:

Overview

The region of focus boasts a vibrant research ecosystem and a dynamic startup culture that is built off a robust historical foundation of global water and energy technology solution companies known for developing advanced water and energy products that improve efficiency and performance. Wisconsin’s strong industrial base, including a $68 billion manufacturing sector and a skilled workforce, is primed for transformative technologies that support operational sustainability. SMEs make up 98% of U.S. manufacturing and significantly contribute to the economy, but they face challenges in adopting technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and improve water stewardship. The Water + Energy Forward Engine aims to address these challenges by developing technology solutions tailored to SMEs, particularly in the food and beverage, pulp and paper, and wastewater sectors.

Intellectual Merit

This proposed NSF Engine will transform how small manufacturers and utilities approach customer and regulatory pressure to reduce climate-related risks, viewing it as an opportunity for growth, cost reduction, and increased efficiency. The innovation areas for use-inspired R&D were informed by extensive discussion with industry partners, local organizations, and researchers and include advancements at the intersection of scale, resources, and optimization.

The Engine aims to create value from all resources by reducing waste costs and extracting benefits, such as converting dairy residues into valuable low-carbon products and exploring waste-to-energy solutions in various industries. It will enhance resiliency and cost-efficiency in water and energy usage through scalable technologies like electrification, energy storage, and smart energy management.

Additionally, the Engine will develop smart technology systems for smaller utilities and SMEs, focusing on user-friendly solutions that improve efficiency and resiliency. The project will emphasize “right-sized” technologies to foster new businesses and expand markets, advancing the region’s leadership in sustainable industrial innovation.

The Engine will pursue specific goals over two- and ten-year periods, including workforce training, technology translation, investment, and regional expertise. Initial actions include funding and piloting TRL 3-5 technology projects, expanding industry participation, developing a technology pipeline, and increasing workforce training. A mentoring program at the region’s universities will support 200 students, while a technical college will pilot an operational certification program for 100 individuals. The initiative will also establish career pathways for 4,000 Milwaukee high school graduates and ensure at least 40% participation from underrepresented populations. Additionally, partnerships with HBCUs and technical exchange agreements with smaller or tribal utilities will be established. To secure sustainable investment, the project will obtain corporate climate credit commitments and host industry investor showcases.

This collaborative effort, involving universities, nonprofits, utilities, and major corporations, aims to drive significant transformational change.

Broader Impacts

The Water + Energy Forward initiative aims to achieve several broader impacts, focusing on enhancing partnerships among academia, industry, and other stakeholders to drive innovation in water and energy solutions.

It will support Wisconsin’s economic competitiveness by helping SMEs adopt sustainable technologies, thereby increasing resilience and growth.

The initiative also targets improving national security by advancing technologies in critical infrastructure sectors including Food & Agriculture, Water & Wastewater Systems, and Critical Manufacturing.

This effort will not only protect vital resources but also contribute to the overall security of the supply chain.

The project will also bolster the region’s infrastructure for research and education, enhancing existing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaborative platforms that encourage innovation and learning.

Public engagement and scientific literacy are key components, as the initiative aims to generate relevant scientific outcomes and increase awareness of sustainable manufacturing practices.

Finally, it aims to develop a diverse and globally competitive STEM workforce by providing interdisciplinary training, hands-on experience, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in water, food, and energy sectors, thus preparing a skilled workforce for the future.