Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Wastewater Treatment Plants

Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Wastewater Treatment Plants

🌱 Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Wastewater Treatment Plants In 2025, renewable energy sources (RES) in the water and sewage sector are no longer just a trend—they have become a necessity. Rising energy prices, new environmental regulations, and the desire to become energy independent are driving more and more treatment plants to invest in renewable energy. And rightly so. 🔋 Why is this so important? Wastewater treatment plants consume enormous amounts of energy...

🔋 Why is this so important?

Wastewater treatment plants consume enormous amounts of energy—especially for sludge aeration, pumping, and automation. Up to 50% of operational costs are electricity bills. That’s why every kilowatt-hour from renewable sources is a step toward savings and energy independence.

☀️ 1. Photovoltaics (PV)

Instalacje PV montowane są na dachach hal technologicznych, budynkach socjalnych, a nawet w formie farm naziemnych. Najczęściej zasila się nimi:

• SCADA systems and automation,
• low-voltage blowers,
• lighting and control room servers.

Nowości 2025: falowniki z AI, magazyny energii (LiFePO₄), tryb off-grid w godzinach szczytu.

🌬️ 2. Wind Turbines

Used in treatment plants with large areas. Increasingly common are vertical-axis turbines (SAV, Darrieus), which operate at low wind speeds and are quiet. They can cover demand for blowers or emergency systems, for example.

Example: The wastewater treatment plant in Libiąż – 2 turbines of 10 kW each, producing energy for aerators and HVAC systems.

🔁 3. Biogas from Sludge Fermentation

Fermentation chambers produce methane biogas (CH₄), which powers CHP (combined heat and power) engines. A recent innovation is fuel cells (SOFC), offering higher efficiency. AI systems monitor fermentation temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and pH levels.

🔥 4. Heat Pumps and Energy Recovery from Wastewater

Wastewater temperatures range from 12–20°C. Water-to-water heat pumps harness this potential to heat buildings, drying rooms, and even clarifiers. This significantly reduces the consumption of gas or grid electricity.

Example: ZWiK Kraków – heating an entire laboratory building and analysis station using heat pumps powered by wastewater effluent.

💡 5. Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

The greatest potential lies in hybrid solutions: PV + wind turbines + biogas + energy storage + AI automation. Such systems enable full control of consumption, resilience to blackouts, and achieving energy self-sufficiency.

📊 Technology Comparison

Technology	Benefits	Challenges
Photovoltaics	Do 25% oszczędności rocznej	Nighttime balance
Wind turbines	Reliable source of support	Space requirements
Biogas (CHP)	Heat energy + electricity	High fermentation costs
Heat pumps	Thermal self-sufficiency	Initial investment
Hybridization	Full energy control	Complex system integration

Wastewater Tales – because wastewater can also work to generate its own energy. ♻️💧