Water + Energy Forward, based in Wisconsin, is preparing an application for a $160 million project to spur local economic development and innovation in the water and energy sectors.
As part of that process it is developing a diversity and inclusion plan to ensure that everyone benefits from these efforts by creating local jobs, building pathways to water and energy careers, and supporting the development of local businesses.
A community conversation will be held Oct. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bordini Center, 5 N Systems Drive, Appleton. Food, beverages, and activities for children will be provided. Parking is available onsite. RSVP here.
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, nonprofits and more. Through focus groups held around the region, three primary sectors were identified as initial focus areas:
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Pulp and paper manufacturing
- Wastewater utilities
All three 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 the three main tracks.
