State of Knowledge of Scope 1 emissions from Sewage Treatment Plants

This research project examined the challenges Australian water utilities face in achieving net-zero emissions, focusing on reducing direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — specifically carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — from sewage treatment processes. As utilities work to decrease indirect emissions by adopting renewable energy, direct emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are becoming a larger part of their carbon footprints. The report provides an in-depth review of the current knowledge on scope 1 emissions, assessing sources, production pathways, and mitigation strategies for methane and nitrous oxide, as well as existing monitoring results and reporting guidelines.

The final report is under embargo until January 2025.