In the quest for sustainable urban development, sewage treatment plants (STPs) are often overlooked as significant contributors to carbon emissions. However, a groundbreaking study led by YANG Xiongqiang from China Nuclear New Energy Investment Co., Ltd., Beijing, has shed light on how these facilities can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency. The research, published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), reveals that by implementing low-carbon operation strategies, STPs can achieve substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.
The study, which analyzed the energy consumption data of Class A effluent standard STPs, identified key factors influencing indirect carbon emissions. By optimizing processes such as flow and lift management, aeration, and mixing intensity, the researchers demonstrated that STPs can significantly reduce their power consumption and carbon emissions. “The adoption of low-carbon operational strategies in eight sewage treatment plants had achieved significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency, as well as a notable reduction in indirect carbon emissions,” YANG Xiongqiang stated.
The results were striking. Power consumption decreased from 3.837 7×107 kW·h/a to 3.348 5×107 kW·h/a, and indirect carbon emissions, calculated by CO2, dropped from 3 424.0 t/a to 2 987.5 t/a, a reduction of 12.7%. Moreover, the dosage of phosphorus removal agents and carbon source agents saw significant decreases, leading to a 51.1% reduction in indirect carbon emissions from drug consumption. This not only resulted in significant emission reduction effects but also led to a notable increase in project revenue.
The study also highlighted the importance of advanced technologies such as carbon capture, anaerobic digestion-cogeneration, and autotrophic denitrification in achieving low-carbon operation. These technologies, combined with efficient management practices, can transform STPs into more sustainable and cost-effective facilities.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As cities worldwide strive to meet their carbon reduction targets, the findings provide a roadmap for STPs to become part of the solution rather than the problem. By adopting these low-carbon strategies, STPs can not only reduce their environmental impact but also enhance their financial performance, making them more attractive to investors and stakeholders.
The research underscores the need for a holistic approach to carbon reduction in the energy sector. By integrating advanced technologies and efficient management practices, STPs can play a crucial role in achieving a more sustainable future. As YANG Xiongqiang noted, “The improvement was not significant for sewage treatment plants with high total nitrogen in the influent, high energy-consuming process equipment, and high industrial water content.” This suggests that while the strategies are effective, they may need to be tailored to specific conditions and challenges faced by different STPs.
The study, published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), offers a compelling case for the energy sector to rethink its approach to sewage treatment. By embracing low-carbon operation strategies, STPs can become more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, paving the way for a greener future.
