It's no secret that the world's energy demand is growing but many people are unaware, that a promising potential energy source is being flushed down our toilets every day.
Wastewater is water that has been contaminated by human, agricultural, or industrial waste. While, it is commonly regarded as a nuisance, the organic matter contained in wastewater from our sewage systems, can be converted into a valuable resource through sludge-to-energy systems. Therefore, wastewater is the best hidden source of energy.
How is wastewater converted into energy?
Methane gas is produced when organic waste decomposes in an oxygen-free environment, such as deep within a landfill. This methane can be trapped and used to generate electricity, instead of being released into the atmosphere.
Wastewater treatment systems begin by collecting solid sludge. In a sludge-to-energy system, this sludge is subsequently processed with thermal hydrolysis to maximise the amount of methane it can produce. The processed waste is then fed into an anaerobic digester, which thoroughly digests it.
The end result is a methane-rich gas, or biogas, which can be utilized for on-site energy demands, or further processed and used in place of natural gas. Furthermore, the solid waste remnants produce a nutrient-rich "digestate" that can be put to soil, to enhance plant development.
What other types of waste can be converted into energy?
Other organic wastes, such as yard waste, manure, leftover food scraps, and restaurant waste oil, are excellent options for waste-to-energy systems. These wastes can also be combined to boost methane production. Blending sludge with kitchen waste, for example, produces the optimum blend of organic materials, and necessary microbes for efficient methane production.
What are the advantages of using wastewater for energy?
Sludge-to-energy systems address many of the world's most pressing environmental and economic issues, at the same time. This is just a short list:
· Energy production
The globe requires more energy to support rising cities and growing people. For many communities, using waste for energy is a low-cost, renewable, and easily available source of energy.
Sewage treatment plants can be energy self-sufficient because they can use biogas, generated from their own sludge to power their operations. This ensures that a sewage plant's principal job of eliminating pollutants and disease-causing microorganisms, is not disrupted by power outages in the surrounding area.
· Emissions reductions
Methane accounts for 16% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and is a powerful greenhouse gas, about 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Sludge-to-energy systems use methane for energy instead of releasing it into the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change.
Although, methane emits carbon dioxide when utilized to generate energy, the net emissions are low when methane-rich biogas is used instead of fossil fuels.
· Waste management
Many developing countries lack the infrastructure required to manage solid waste and sludge effectively. This poisonous, foul-smelling waste is frequently thrown straight onto land or neighbouring seas in these places, endangering public health.
Over 70% of municipal solid waste and sludge in India, for example, is landfilled or dumped—sometimes illegally. A sludge-to-energy strategy offers a solution.
· Economic advantages
Sludge-to-energy systems eliminate the need for more expensive and polluting forms of energy, such as fossil fuels. Furthermore, those who run waste-to-energy plants can profit financially, from the sale of gas and solid digestate.
How can we assist?
Netsol Water wastewater treatment plants are particularly developed and produced, to meet a wide range of Water Treatment needs. Our organisation is well-known for offering excellent technical assistance and after-sales service. Engineers and technicians who are talented, competent, certified, and experienced are on hand, to help you with your tailored applications.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.
