Closing the Loop: Renewable Energy and Resource Recovery from Wastewater in the Circular Economy

Wastewater treatment has traditionally been viewed as a necessary but costly burden. However, with the growing awareness of the environmental impact of waste and the importance of resource efficiency, the focus is shifting towards the recovery of resources from wastewater. This innovative approach not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also provides a new source of resources that can be harnessed in the circular economy.

In this newsletter, we will explore the benefits of renewable energy and resource recovery from wastewater and discuss the innovative technologies and practices that are making this approach a reality.

Insights

Biogas Generation and Resource Recovery

Biogas is a renewable energy source that can be produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter in wastewater. The biogas generated from wastewater treatment can be used to generate electricity, heat, or fuel, providing a sustainable source of energy. Additionally, the residual solids from the anaerobic digestion process can be recovered as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, closing the loop and creating a sustainable resource cycle. Read how Stockholm's wastewater is being turned into a resource

Solar-Powered Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

Solar-powered wastewater treatment is an innovative approach that combines wastewater treatment with renewable energy generation. This approach not only treats wastewater in a sustainable manner but also generates renewable energy, reducing the overall environmental impact of energy production. Additionally, valuable resources can be recovered from the wastewater treatment process, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability. Read how DC Water has installed solar panels across its Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant site, adding to its renewable energy mix

Resource Recovery from Wastewater

The recovery of valuable resources from wastewater, such as phosphorous, nitrogen, and metals, provides a new source of materials that can be used in the circular economy. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides a sustainable source of materials that can be reused and recycled, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability. Read how Scottish Water is recovering grit from wastewater for the construction industry

In conclusion, by embracing renewable energy and resource recovery from wastewater, we can close the loop and create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Additional Insights

Read the latest Mark and Focus articles on the risks and opportunities mega-trends provide to business, governance, and society here

Communities

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Urban Water Security, Our Future Water, Circular Water Economy, Blue-Green Infrastructure, Nature-Based Solutions, and Urban and Regional Futures

Books

Financing Water Security and Green Growth

Financing Water Security and Green Growth offers a comprehensive overview of the innovative financial instruments and approaches available to implement water security and green growth initiatives at various scales and in different contexts. 

Robert C. Brears explores the use of a variety of public, private, and blended finance models to create climate-resilient water supplies, reduce water-energy-food nexus pressures, encourage water conservation and efficiency, and increase water reliability.

Developing the Circular Water Economy

Developing the Circular Water Economy presents new research on policy innovations that promote the development of the circular water economy.

It provides a series of in-depth case studies of important locations in differing climates around the globe that have implemented a variety of policy innovations to develop the circular water economy.

Latest papers

Read about Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change on Apple Books