TY - JOUR KW - Wastewater Treatment, Greenhouse Gas, Clean Grid, Net Zero, Water Resource Recovery, Electrical energy, Redox reactions, Solar energy, Wastewater AU - Xiatong Li AU - Cuihong Song AU - Sahar H. El Abbadi AU - Jennifer Stokes-Draut AU - Zhiyong Jason Ren AB -

This study examines the spatial and temporal impacts of the U.S. clean energy grid transition on related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the wastewater treatment industry. By analyzing data from 17,156 water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and state-specific grid decarbonization scenarios, the results project a 60% reduction in Scope 2 emissions by 2050, driven by the national shift to renewable energy. However, regional disparities are prominent, with northeastern and western states achieving the most significant reductions, while the Ohio Valley and Rockies are likely to experience higher emissions due to the reliance on fossil fuels. This study offers the first assessment of clean grid impacts on the WRRFs and highlights the need for targeted, region-specific strategies across different emission scopes. This research provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the wastewater sector, emphasizing the critical role of grid decarbonization in achieving GHG reduction goals.

BT - Environmental Science & Technology Letters DA - 08/01/2025 DO - 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00893 IS - 2 N2 -

This study examines the spatial and temporal impacts of the U.S. clean energy grid transition on related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the wastewater treatment industry. By analyzing data from 17,156 water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and state-specific grid decarbonization scenarios, the results project a 60% reduction in Scope 2 emissions by 2050, driven by the national shift to renewable energy. However, regional disparities are prominent, with northeastern and western states achieving the most significant reductions, while the Ohio Valley and Rockies are likely to experience higher emissions due to the reliance on fossil fuels. This study offers the first assessment of clean grid impacts on the WRRFs and highlights the need for targeted, region-specific strategies across different emission scopes. This research provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the wastewater sector, emphasizing the critical role of grid decarbonization in achieving GHG reduction goals.

PY - 2025 SP - 144 EP - 150 T2 - Environmental Science & Technology Letters TI - The Impact of Clean Grid Transition on Wastewater Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions UR - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00893 VL - 12 SN - 2328-8930, 2328-8930 ER -