WASTED ENERGY: WASTEWATER FUELS CLEANER FUTURE

A sustainable clean energy future may hinge on how sewage sludge is managed in wastewater treatment plants. Methane released from sludge contributes to climate change, but it can be harnessed to produce renewable natural gas and electricity, reducing costs and emissions. Despite the potential benefits, many treatment plants do not capture these resources. Recent studies show that resource recovery from large treatment plants in the U.S. could significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions and benefit regional markets. Key highlights include:

• Sewage sludge in wastewater treatment plants releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas
• Methane can be recovered to produce renewable natural gas and electricity
• Majority of treatment plants do not capture these resources
• Studies show high potential for resource recovery in the U.S.
• Recovery of wastewater resources effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Large treatment plants produce majority of wastewater resources
• Initial investments in a small number of large facilities can capture most available resources

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