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This research aims to identify feasible pathways for transitioning wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from energy consumers to net producers.

Data-Driven Identification of Constraints and Enabling Pathways for Energy-Positive Wastewater Treatment

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Randomized trial evaluates pathways for energy-positive wastewater treatment, highlighting feasibility for low-strength systems.

This research aims to identify feasible pathways for transitioning wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from energy consumers to net producers.
Analyzed a national inventory of 2961 WWTPs using Stochastic Frontier Analysis to eliminate operational bias.
Developed an efficiency-adjusted energy baseline through energy balance modeling.
Evaluated two carbon-redirection pathways integrating enhanced primary treatment with mainstream Anammox.
Energy-positive treatment is achievable only with high-strength wastewater (COD 334-426 mg/L) under conventional scenarios.
Carbon-redirection pathways reduce entry thresholds for treated wastewater to COD 153-198 mg/L and COD/TN 4.9-5.7.
Medium-scale facilities are the most favorable candidates for this transition.

Zhang et al. (2026) studied this question.

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