Application of emission factors to explore the potential of hydrogen production from sewage sludge

The study aims to investigate the possibility of producing hydrogen from sewage sludge obtained during wastewater treatment, using emission factors. It provides an overview of current trends in treating sewage sludge, analyses the potential for generating biogas and hydrogen from sewage sludge, and examines the role of hydrogen in transitioning towards greener energy. The research methodology uses statistical approaches to derive potential values from baseline data through emission factors and categorizes study areas based on this information. The background indicates that biogas-based hydrogen production offers benefits such as utilizing renewable energy sources and reclaiming sewage sludge. There has been a substantial increase in municipal wastewater treatment sludge generation while simultaneously reducing non-hazardous sludge disposal by landfilling. The focus is on utilizing these resources effectively instead of squandering them, while also identifying previously wasted potential over recent years. The primary objective of the paper is to assess the untapped potential that has not been fully utilized in recent years. The research direction was shaped by access to statistical data, albeit constrained by its focus on a typical technological process. The study delves into an increasingly relevant area, with outcomes applicable for policymakers as well as professionals in energy and environmental fields.