30 Finding solutions for food processors The Center for Advanced Energy Studies at INL (CAES) is working with the Northwest Food Processors Association (NWFPA) to address challenges with wastewater treatment and energy consumption in food processing, one of the Northwest’s biggest industries. A Boise meeting convened more than 30 researchers from government, national laboratories, industry and academic institutions to discuss challenges in wastewater management and energy efficiency. Leadership REGIONAL Cutting energy and water use CAES researchers at University of Idaho and INL are helping Idaho food processing companies reduce their energy and water use. A $93,600 grant from Avista Corp. funds a one-year project to evaluate North Idaho food processing plants. INL researchers will mentor the UI team, which will create in-depth models of a plant’s energy and water use. The effort taps into expertise across UI’s colleges and locations, connects to CAES’ Energy- Water Initiative, and helps Avista meet the Idaho Public Utility Commission’s Real fruit processing plant in operation. DID YOU KNOW? NWFPA IS A TRADE ASSOCIATION OF MORE THAN 140 PROCESSOR COMPANIES AND 350 SUPPLIERS IN IDAHO, OREGON AND WASHINGTON.