Jacobs is leading a new research project funded by The Water Research Foundation (WRF) aimed at improving the global understanding and mitigation of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). The project will develop an industry-first N₂O monitoring system, including a database and decision support tool, to help utilities better understand the risks of N₂O emissions and identify mitigation strategies.
N₂O and its Environmental Impact
N₂O emissions are a significant concern in the water sector, particularly at WRRFs, where biological treatment processes produce this gas. N₂O has a global warming potential (GWP) 273 times higher than CO₂, making its mitigation critical for reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from water and wastewater utilities. As countries and states work to decarbonize their energy supplies, N₂O emissions and methane from wastewater treatment can account for up to 75% of GHG emissions in this sector. For example, Denmark is aiming to reduce N₂O emissions by 50% at WRRFs as part of its net-zero goals.
Research Objectives and Collaboration
The research project will involve 25 partner water and wastewater utilities and Princeton University to develop accurate, whole-plant N₂O emissions estimates. These estimates will be based on continuous, online monitoring over at least one year at participating facilities. The data will be compiled into an N₂O database, which will include standard methodologies and guidance for both quantification and mitigation strategies. A decision-making tool will also be developed to support utility and country-level implementations of N₂O emission reduction efforts.
Global Significance of the Project
The findings from this research will help utilities manage and reduce their N₂O emissions, contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change. Countries like Switzerland, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand are already setting ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 emissions, which include direct emissions from WRRFs, through various programs and regulations.
Expert Insight
Emma Shen, Jacobs Global Principal for Wastewater Energy Optimization and Sector Decarbonization, emphasizes the importance of this project: “Reducing process emissions is critical to the water sector’s role in climate mitigation. This project will develop practical guidance for N₂O monitoring and mitigation, drawing on Jacobs’ expertise and a collaborative global network of utilities.”
The research findings will also contribute to another WRF project that Jacobs is supporting, which focuses on developing a GHG emissions data library for water utilities in the U.S..
About Jacobs
Jacobs is addressing challenges like climate change, water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and emerging contaminants in the water sector. The company collaborates with clients to develop solutions for everything from drinking water treatment to water resource recovery, helping communities and industries thrive by ensuring access to essential water resources.
About the Water Research Foundation (WRF)
WRF is a nonprofit organization advancing the science of water, supporting the research needs of the water sector. WRF funds and manages research on drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems, focusing on improving water quality and services to the public.
