Journal article
The Impact of Clean Grid Transition on Wastewater Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Environmental science & technology letters, Vol.12(2), pp.144-150
01/08/2025
DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00893
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Impact of Clean Grid Transition on Wastewater Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Creators
- Xiatong Li - Princeton UniversityCuihong Song - Princeton UniversitySahar H. El Abbadi - Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryJennifer R. Stokes-Draut - Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryZhiyong Jason Ren - Princeton University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental science & technology letters, Vol.12(2), pp.144-150
- DOI
- 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00893
- ISSN
- 2328-8930
- eISSN
- 2328-8930
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/08/2025
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984843607102771
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