Promoting climate-friendly biogas technologies

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The mostly anaerobic wastewater treatment in Brazil produces sewage gases containing methane, which mostly enter the atmosphere as greenhouse gases and thus contribute to climate change. The potential for generating energy from biogas is only used to a limited extent at sewage treatment plants. In addition, wastewater is not treated completely and in accordance with existing environmental regulations, which contributes to environmental pollution. As part of the project with the water supply company (WVU) SANEPAR, investment measures are planned for the improvement and expansion of a total of 8 sewage treatment plants. The cleaning performance of the sewage treatment plants is strictly aligned with existing environmental guidelines. In addition, the biogas produced in the sewage treatment process is to be captured in an environmentally friendly manner and used as energy as possible. To ensure the successful implementation of the project, SANEPAR is supported by consulting services during planning and implementation. The costs for the measures within the framework of the program with SANEPAR amount to the equivalent of EUR 97.2 million and are financed with EUR 50 million from FC funds (ZV loans) and from SANEPAR's own funds (EUR 47.2 million). After the investments have been made and the sewage treatment plants have started operating, 10 thousand tons of CO2eq less greenhouse gases (GHG) are to be emitted annually and 4 GWh of electrical and thermal energy are to be used.