InPipe and BluePath line up as much as $200 million for distributed hydropower projects that could turn overlooked U.S. water infrastructure into power plants
The United States has shown a huge commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and ensuring that there is a wide range of energy sources that people can depend upon. The nation is among the highest renewable energy-producing countries in the world but still refuses to be complacent. The United States’ government is playing a vital role in empowering developers to pursue projects. Recently, InPipe and BluePath lined up as much as $200 million for distributed hydropower projects that could turn overlooked U.S. water infrastructure into power plants.
InPipe and BluePath line up as much as $200 million for distributed hydropower projects
InPipe Energy is a U.S.-based renewable energy and smart water infrastructure company. Its patented modular HydroXS energy recovery system converts water flowing in pipelines into hydropower, the lowest-cost source of renewable energy.
BluePath Finance, on the other hand, is a leading owner and operator of sustainable infrastructure, funding distributed energy projects including distributed and community solar, behind-the-meter batteries, microgrids, and EV infrastructure.
BluePath works with market-leading ESCOs, EPCs, and developers, who source, construct, and maintain projects. BluePath finds, owns, and operates them, providing public entities and commercial and industrial customers with efficient financing through PPAs, energy-as-a-service, and similar structures.
InPipe and BluePath line up as much as $200 million for distributed hydropower projects
A press release from InPipe Energy revealed that the company has entered a strategic collaboration with BluePath Finance as they hope to address the capital barrier that has slowed clean energy adoption across American water systems. The terms of the collaboration allow BluePath to own qualifying InPipe-sourced distributed hydropower systems and to serve as the power provider to host customers under power purchase agreements (PPAs) and similar project-finance structures.
One of the keys to a successful partnership is the ability of both parties to complement each other effectively. In this instance, the parties have identified a potential pipeline that they believe could represent up to $200 million of investment over the next five years. Modern-day energy projects have massive amounts of money involved, which is a testament to just how much the clean energy transition has inspired companies to pursue energy projects.
InPipe’s patented HydroXS energy recovery system converts water flowing through pipelines into reliable, affordable hydropower electricity without dams, new construction, or disruption of water delivery. InPipe’s CEO believes the adopted approach is similar to an oil well, but instead of drilling into oil pipelines, the HydroXS taps into water pipelines and generates renewable energy.
Assessing how InPipe and BluePath effectively complement each other
InPipe describes the HydroXS as a predictable, dispatchable power source for water utilities, agricultural operations, and other water-intensive industries that are facing rising electricity costs, aging infrastructure, and mounting regulatory expectations around decarbonization and resilience.
BluePath offers a financing model that is purpose-built to help address the capital hurdle that has conventionally kept this class of technology out of reach for many public and industrial customers. As a financier that funds, owns, and operates distributed energy infrastructure, BluePath allows water agencies and industrial operators to adopt HydroXS with a small amount or no upfront capital expense.
Looking ahead: Could InPipe and BluePath be involved in a long-term relationship?
Both companies have expressed excitement at the prospect of being involved with each other for many more years to come. For instance, Gregg Semler, CEO and Founder of InPipe Energy, stated the following:
“This collaboration lets us bring the benefits of the HydroXS to far more communities and industries than we could reach on our own. Water utilities and water-intensive industries across the country are under pressure from rising energy costs and increasing demands for resilience and decarbonization.”
The execution of energy projects comes with great risk and responsibility that a single company may not be able to manage on its own, which is why entities are deciding to collaborate at an increased rate nowadays.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
