Optimization of Biogas Production from Sewage Sludge: Impact of Combination with Bovine Dung and Leachate from Municipal Organic Waste

Summary for policymakers    The energy sector is the source of around three‐quarters of greenhouse gas emissions today and holds the key to averting the worst effects of climate change,  perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has faced. Reducing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to net zero by 2050 is consistent with efforts to limit the long‐term increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 °C. This calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of how we produce,  transport, and consume energy. The growing political consensus on reaching net zero is cause for considerable optimism about the progress the world can make,  but the changes required to reach net‐zero emissions globally by 2050 are poorly understood. A huge amount of work is needed to turn today’s impressive ambitions into reality, especially given the range of different situations among countries and their different capacities to make the necessary changes. This special IEA report sets out a pathway for achieving this goal, resulting in a clean and resilient energy system that would bring major benefits to human prosperity and well‐being.   

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) operators face major challenges. Water is the world’s most widely consumed product. Everywhere it is a strategic resource. Everywhere it needs to be carefully stewarded and managed to meet the challenges of: • access to clean drinking water for all, • water pollution and sustainable treatment, • regulatory and environmental issues, even more stringent (exacting standards and regulations for water quality, energy conservation and reduced waste and emissions). WWTP designers and operators are at the forefront of the two first challenges. And they have to confront these challenges on a fiercely competitive, cost-constrained water market.

Executive Summary The objective of this Water and Wastewater Industry Energy Best Practice Guidebook is to provide information and resources to assist water/wastewater management and staff in identifying and implementing opportunities to reduce energy use. The information in this guidebook will help managers, administrators and/or operators to identify opportunities to significantly reduce energy requirements at their facilities without affecting production. It also provides the user with information on the value and need for proactive energy management with water and wastewater systems. Contents include:

• Benchmarking results from selected Wisconsin wastewater facilities
• Best practice approaches to on-going management of energy use
• Documentation of technical best practices for planning, designing and operating water/wastewater system treatment and for conveyance and distribution
• Best practice funding and financing opportunities
• References for further opportunities in water/wastewater system energy efficiency and power demand reduction

The Guidebook binder format provides a living document that can be updated continually with new Best Practices and Case Studies provided by the Focus on Energy program (and others) with direct input from water/wastewater industrial leaders. Focus on Energy also provides technical assistance and possible financial incentives to support the implementation of your energy efficiency measures. See the testimonial, below. We encourage you to call us at 800-762-7077 for more information on how Focus on Energy can help you reach your energy efficiency goals.