WaferTech and Clark Public Utilities Partner to Complete $1.6 Million Energy Conservation Project, Install Efficient Cooling System
VANCOUVER, WA – Oct. 27, 2011 – Saving enough energy to power 350 homes every year, WaferTech, a TSMC Company, has installed a $1.6 million, energy efficient Process Cooling Water (PCW) Free Cooling system at its Camas, Wash. manufacturing facility.
Expected to reduce energy use by up to four million kilowatt-hours annually, the new system uses the cool, Pacific NW weather to naturally bring the temperature of warm, post-manufacturing water down instead of relying on traditional chillers year-round.
“We’re a multi-national company in an extremely competitive industry,” said Jim Short, director of facilities and EHS. “Locating here in the Pacific Northwest, where the mild climate can offset cooling costs, is giving us an advantage by saving us money in manufacturing and also helping to preserve the environment through reduced emissions.”
Coordinated by Clark Public Utilities, with support from the Bonneville Power Administration Energy Smart Industrial Program, installation of the new system was funded through grants including $1,031,500 from the utility with resources from BPA, $120,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the State Energy Program Grant and $100,000 from Washington State University. WaferTech contributed an additional $352,000, bringing the total investment to more than $1.6 million.
In preparation for the project, the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) submitted the ARRA grant application on behalf of CPU and WaferTech, and provided key assistance in securing the $120,000 ARRA grant as well as a $282,000 loan for a total of $402,000, the final piece required to fund the project.
“Maximizing our current power supply through conservation projects like the new WaferTech cooling system is the least expensive investment we can make toward future growth in Clark County,” said Larry Blaufus, senior manager of energy technologies and services. “Reduced energy use saves customers money and helps hold off a need to build additional generation facilities by making the power we have now, go further.”
Fast Facts
- Energy savings: Approximately four million kilowatt hours saved, annually
- Estimated cost savings: $200,000 annual reduction in energy costs
- Emission reduction: Nearly 1.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide prevented each year
- Jobs impact: Project required 2,000 construction man-hours and annual cost savings going forward is equal to six WaferTech production specialists
Project partners include contractors JH Kelly, Evergreen Engineering, and Worley Parsons & Nexant; the Washington State University Energy Extension; the Washington State Department of Commerce; Bonneville Power Administration Energy Smart Industrial program; and the CREDC.
About WaferTech
WaferTech is the US subsidiary of TSMC, the world’s first and largest dedicated semiconductor foundry. Established in 1996 in Camas, Washington, WaferTech manufactures the next generation power management, communications, and automotive integrated circuits for its customers. More information is available at www.wafertech.com.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 183,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 30,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information is available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.