Wastewater treatment works have traditionally been seen as unavoidable energy consumers. But the organic material in wastewater contains far more energy than it takes to treat it. With the right upgrades, plants can recover that energy and even export it.
Start by cutting demand
Aeration is usually the biggest energy user. High-efficiency blowers, fine-bubble diffusers and automatic dissolved-oxygen control can reduce aeration energy dramatically. Variable-speed pumps and better process control add further savings.
Capture more organic matter
Enhanced primary treatment, using coagulants and flocculants, diverts more organic load away from aeration and towards anaerobic digestion, where it becomes biogas instead of consuming electricity.
Turn biogas into power and revenue
Combined heat and power engines convert biogas into electricity and heat for the site. Co-digesting food and other organic wastes increases gas production and brings in gate fees, creating a new revenue stream.
Every treatment works is sitting on an energy resource. The opportunity is in unlocking it.
Where to begin
An energy audit is the best first step. It identifies quick wins, such as aeration control and chemical optimisation, and helps plan larger investments. Read more about energy neutral wastewater treatment.
