Sewage treatment systems begin treating wastewater by collecting solid sludge. In a sludge-to-energy system, this sludge undergoes a pretreatment process called thermal hydrolysis to maximize the amount of methane it can produce. Next, the treated waste enters an anaerobic digester, which finishes breaking it down. The resulting product is a methane-rich gas or biogas that can be used for on-site energy needs or processed further and used instead of natural gas.

Sludge-to-energy systems harness methane—a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide—for energy instead of letting it escape into the atmosphere, where it would fuel climate change. Although methane releases carbon dioxide when harnessed for energy, the net emissions are negligible if methane-rich biogas is used instead of fossil fuels. Sludge-to-energy systems reduce the need for more costly and polluting forms of power, such as fossil fuels. In addition, those who operate waste-to-energy operations can directly benefit financially from selling the gas and solid digestate.

Wastewater treatment is one of the most efficient uses of sustainable energy. Using anaerobic digestion, bacteria break down organic material to produce biogas—which can be used as natural gas, heat, or electricity. Stark Tech has built its reputation on helping wastewater facilities reuse their waste by converting it into renewable natural gas.

Discover how the service experts at Stark Tech can help you reach your sustainability goals and reduce your carbon footprint today!