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<p>Most sub-Saharan countries experience water shortages and energy poverty, attributed to insufficient rainfall and limited energy production resources respectively. South Africa (SA) is estimated to have approximately 955 municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), yet only 13% comply with the minimum water discharge standards. This results from elevated levels of organic matter and, to a lesser degree, non-biodegradable materials. To decrease organic matter in WWTPs, certain municipalities and private entities employ anaerobic digestion (AD) technology, which also produces high-quality biogas that can serve as an alternative energy source. The application of AD in WWTPs has demonstrated potential for generating electrical energy of up to 90 MWe in SA WWTPs. At the municipal level, AD technology is not fully operational; while some WWTPs have constructed digesters, the majority remain underutilised and some are inoperational. One company in the private sector reports daily electricity savings of ZAR7000 through the full utilisation of AD technology, while another reports a biogas production rate of 725&#xa0;m<sup>3</sup>/h. Comprehensive exploration of WWTPs may lead to the implementation of AD technology, which can enhance energy efficiency in daily operations and further diminish contaminants in wastewater, thereby improving its suitability for environmental discharge. This work provides the first consolidated assessment of South Africa’s WWTPs energy potential, bridging technical feasibility with urgent policy needs.</p>

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South African wastewater treatment plants as a resource for energy: a mini review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月8日

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  • Mabatho Moreroa

摘要

Most sub-Saharan countries experience water shortages and energy poverty, attributed to insufficient rainfall and limited energy production resources respectively. South Africa (SA) is estimated to have approximately 955 municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), yet only 13% comply with the minimum water discharge standards. This results from elevated levels of organic matter and, to a lesser degree, non-biodegradable materials. To decrease organic matter in WWTPs, certain municipalities and private entities employ anaerobic digestion (AD) technology, which also produces high-quality biogas that can serve as an alternative energy source. The application of AD in WWTPs has demonstrated potential for generating electrical energy of up to 90 MWe in SA WWTPs. At the municipal level, AD technology is not fully operational; while some WWTPs have constructed digesters, the majority remain underutilised and some are inoperational. One company in the private sector reports daily electricity savings of ZAR7000 through the full utilisation of AD technology, while another reports a biogas production rate of 725 m3/h. Comprehensive exploration of WWTPs may lead to the implementation of AD technology, which can enhance energy efficiency in daily operations and further diminish contaminants in wastewater, thereby improving its suitability for environmental discharge. This work provides the first consolidated assessment of South Africa’s WWTPs energy potential, bridging technical feasibility with urgent policy needs.