Work

Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Urban Wastewater Treatment Facilities: A Case Study of Seoul Metropolitan City (SMC)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) increase the global warming potential, underscoring the importance of addressing their role in GHG mitigation. This study proposes a strategy development approach that analyzes unit-process-based energy consumption, direct and indirect GHG emissions, and scenario impacts to create integrated water–energy–GHG solutions. The analysis of four WWTPs in Seoul Metropolitan City (SMC) identified aeration as the most energy-intensive process, consuming over 40% of the total energy. In addition, substantial GHG emissions were observed, with total indirect emissions surpassing direct emissions. To address these challenges, five future scenarios targeting 2050 were developed and analyzed: (1) replacing aeration diffusers, (2) reducing wastewater production, (3) adjusting treatment levels, (4) increasing renewable energy production, and (5) integrating all measures. Scenario 1 proved most effective in reducing energy and GHG emission intensity, Scenario 4 achieved high energy self-sufficiency, and Scenario 5 enabled some plants to achieve net-zero energy and carbon conditions. The approach proposed in this study provides actionable insights to support carbon neutrality through targeted water–energy–GHG strategies.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17040464

Authors: Li Li, Gyumin Lee, Doosun Kang

Institutions: Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University

Language: English

Topic: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences