S16 E6: Heat Hiding in Plain Pipe: WWTP energy that can run your city with Jay Egg

Wastewater treatment plants are hiding one of the most powerful renewable energy sources in plain sight—and it could change how cities power themselves.In this episode of The DooDoo Divas’ Smells Like Money Podcast, we explore how the consistent, year-round thermal energy flowing through wastewater systems can be captured and reused to heat and cool buildings, reduce operating costs, and create long-term revenue opportunities for utilities and municipalities.We break down how geothermal heat recovery and Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) transform wastewater from a costly operational necessity into a clean energy asset. From powering individual buildings to supporting entire communities, this conversation challenges traditional thinking around wastewater infrastructure and reveals how treatment plants can become sustainable energy hubs.Whether you work in wastewater, water utilities, engineering, infrastructure, or municipal leadership, this episode offers a forward-looking perspective on decarbonization, cost savings, and future-ready cities.🔑 In This Episode, We Discuss:- Why wastewater maintains a stable temperature year-round—and why that matters- How geothermal systems and Thermal Energy Networks work- How WWTP effluent can be used for both heating and cooling- Real-world examples showing major energy savings and decarbonization impact- How wastewater utilities can shift from cost centers to revenue-generating assets- The role of utilities, private partners, and federal incentives in scaling clean energy solutions🌱 Why This MattersWastewater treatment plants are among the largest energy consumers in municipalities, yet they also hold enormous untapped potential. This episode reframes wastewater infrastructure as a key driver of sustainable, resilient, and economically sound communities.Connect With Jay Egg:President & Founder: Egg GeoEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egggeothermalairconditioning/Website: egggeo.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#FreshwaterCollaborative #WaterWorkforce #OneWater #WaterEducation #EnvironmentalCareers #SustainabilityLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #HigherEdInnovation #CleanWaterFuture #STEMCareers #SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast #CreativeRaven #MarissaJablonski