Work

Energy Audit in Wastewater Treatment Plant According to ISO 50001: Opportunities and Challenges for Improving Sustainability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The efficiency of wastewater treatment systems must be reflected in the removal of the pollutant load from the influent and the optimal energy performance of electrical equipment. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are part of the Intensive Energy Consumption Management System (SGCIE) and are therefore subject to mandatory energy audits. This article aims to assess the impact of an energy audit in a WWTP, according to ISO 50001:2018 and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology, to identify and quantify both persistent and transient energy inefficiencies. According to the results, the energy audit contributed to an approximate 10.8% reduction in electrical energy consumption. During the assessment, several challenges were identified that may compromise the effectiveness of audits in improving energy performance. The complexity of the treatment model, aging infrastructure and equipment, the lack of real-time data, and a limited number of indicators hinder the proper management of inefficiency phenomena, particularly transient ones.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17052145

Authors: Francisco Esteves, José Carlos Cardoso, Sérgio Leitão, Eduardo J. Solteiro Pires

Institutions: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Centro de Investigação e de Tecnologias Agro-Ambientais e Biologicas, INESC TEC

Language: English

Topic: Energy Efficiency and Management

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896