Rebecca Mathews

UI4005

Energy efficiency in urban wastewater management is vital amid escalating power costs and sustainability targets. STPs consume nearly 60% of municipal energy for water and sanitation (IRENA, 2021), making them prime candidates for renewable integration. This pilot project in Surat explored rooftop solar PV and biogas-based CHP systems at 11 STPs to reduce energy dependence and enhance climate resilience. Site-specific evaluations showed that a 20 MLD plant could generate 280–300 kWh/day from solar and 100–150 kWh/day from biogas, achieving up to 60% energy savings (ADB, 2022; MoHUA, 2023). By tapping into on-site resources, this approach supports ULBs in aligning with AMRUT 2.0 and the Solar Cities initiative (CPHEEO, 2021). The model offers a replicable, cost-effective pathway to decarbonize STPs and build energy-resilient sanitation infrastructure in Indian cities.