The world’s energy needs are increasing, which is no secret, but many people are not aware that a promising potential energy source is being flushed down our toilets every day.
Water that has been contaminated by human, agricultural, or industrial waste is referred to as wastewater. Sludge-to-energy systems can transform the organic matter found in wastewater from our sewage systems, despite the fact that it is typically considered to be an annoyance, into a useful resource. Wastewater is the best-untapped source of energy as a result.
How is sewage treated to produce energy?
When organic waste breaks down in an area without oxygen, such as deep inside a landfill, methane gas is produced. Rather than being released into the atmosphere, this methane can be captured and used to create electricity.
Systems for treating wastewater begin by gathering solid sludge. To maximize the amount of methane it can produce, this sludge is then thermally hydrolyzed in a sludge-to-energy system. An anaerobic digester then receives the processed waste and completely digests it.
The outcome is a methane-rich gas, or biogas, which can be processed further and used in place of natural gas. It can also be used for on-site energy needs. Additionally, the leftover solid waste creates a nutrient-rich “digestate” that can be added to soil to promote plant growth.
What other waste products can be made into energy?
For waste-to-energy systems, other organic wastes like yard waste, manure, leftover food scraps, and restaurant waste oil are excellent choices. Additionally, these wastes can be combined to increase methane production. For example, mixing the sludge with kitchen waste results in the ideal combination of organic materials and required microbes for effective methane production.
What are the advantages of using wastewater for energy?
Sludge-to-energy systems simultaneously address many of the most important environmental and economic problems facing the planet. Here is a brief list of them:
Energy generation
In order to support expanding cities and a growing population, the world needs more energy. Waste can be a low-cost, renewable, and easily accessible source of energy for many communities.
Because they can use biogas produced from their own sludge to power their operations, sewage treatment plants are able to be energy independent. This makes sure that power outages in the neighborhood won’t interfere with a sewage plant’s primary task of getting rid of contaminants and disease-causing microorganisms.
Reductions in emissions
Methane is a potent glasshouse gas that is about 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributing 16% of the world’s glasshouse gas emissions. Instead of releasing methane into the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change, sludge-to-energy systems use it to produce energy.
The net emissions are low when methane-rich biogas is used in place of fossil fuels, despite the fact that methane emits carbon dioxide when used to generate energy.
Waste management
The infrastructure necessary to effectively manage solid waste and sludge is lacking in many developing nations. In these places, this toxic, foul-smelling waste is frequently dumped directly onto land or nearby seas, endangering public health.
In India, for instance, more than 70% of municipal solid waste and sludge are landfilled or dumped—occasionally illegally. A solution is provided by a sludge-to-energy strategy.
Economic benefits
Sludge-to-energy systems do away with the need for more costly and environmentally damaging energy sources like fossil fuels. Additionally, the sale of gas and solid digestate can bring financial rewards to those who operate waste-to-energy facilities.
How we can assist?
For a variety of water treatment needs, Hydromo wastewater treatment plants are specifically designed and produced. Our company is renowned for providing first-rate technical support and after-sales care. You can get assistance with your customized applications from talented, qualified, experienced engineers and technicians.
Follow Hydromo on social media to learn more and more.