Renewable Energy Integration in Nereda® Systems: Biogas Recovery and Algal Photobioreactor Coupling

Inclusion of renewable energy within wastewater treatment facilities is a major step toward sustainable urban infrastructure. The Nereda® aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system is one of the advanced biological treatment technologies, which can serve as an energy-saving alternative to the conventional activated sludge (CAS) process with more compact structure, smaller footprint and less aeration power consumption. Nonetheless, to achieve maximal energy neutrality or net-positive results, it ought to be combined with a renewable energy recovery system as well. In this article we discuss two potential pathways for delivering renewable energy within Nereda systems: biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of waste sludge and the integration of algal photobioreactors (PBRs) to achieve simultaneous nutrient removal coupled with bioenergy production. Recent progress related to microbial resource recovery, process integration and life cycle assessment (LCA) are examined to assess technical feasibility, energy balance and environmental burden. Results show that utilization of biogas recovery from digested sludge can meet ۶۰–۸۰% of plant energy requirements; and in the case of algal PBRs, it provides co-benefits including CO₂ reduction patterns and recollection of nutrients, as well as a prospect on production of biodiesel feedstock. The issues related to the process stability, scalability and economic viability are highlighted, together with policy and technological recommendations for favoring their upscaling. This synthesis highlights the game-changing nature of Nereda ® -biogas-algae hybrid systems in promoting circular economy approach for municipal wastewater treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nereda® ، aerobic granular sludge ، biogas recovery ، algal photobioreactor ، renewable energy ، wastewater treatment ، energy neutrality ، circular economy