DEP-BPE-RFR-2026-CERP-Wastewater Energy Recovery Pilot Grant (WWER) GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is offering up to $5 million in phased grant funding through the Wastewater Energy Recovery (WWER) Pilot Grant program. Funded by the Climate Protection and Mitigation Expendable Trust, this initiative seeks proposals from eligible entities—including public and private wastewater facilities, municipal and state facilities, educational institutions, and nonprofits—to implement wastewater heat recovery technology. The program aims to advance decarbonization by using wastewater as a renewable thermal energy source for supplemental space heating, hot water, or cooling. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis across three distinct phases: Technical Assistance Studies (up to $15,000), Project Design (up to $1,000,000), and Project Construction (up to $750,000). Applications are evaluated based on proposal completeness and clarity, the projected impact of the energy recovery system, cost-effectiveness, and location, with a specific priority given to projects serving Burdened Areas. To receive funding, applicants must meet minimum scoring thresholds of 50 points for Phase 1 and 75 points for Phases 2 and 3. Eligible applicants must provide comprehensive documentation, including a project narrative, budget tables, and ownership certifications. Non-public entities are required to submit additional tax and non-profit certifications. Technical requirements for later phases include detailed system design drawings, 30-year demand predictions, and an operation and maintenance plan. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Grant Management System, with a final response deadline of October 23, 2028.