U.S. Biogas Markets & Trends: A Convergence of Municipal Wastewater and Power

10 Dec 2016
Available with corporate subscription

Large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants provide the greatest opportunity for biogas. However, declines in natural gas prices and expectations of continued supply surplus pose a significant economic barrier for adoption.

Power players, including Constellation and Hawaii Gas, are selectively tapping the wastewater sector for offtake opportunities, indicating a convergence between water and power. According to Bluefield’s analysis, biogas capture opportunities at municipal wastewater treatment plants will continue to be one-off opportunities driven by renewable policies rather than costs.

In this Data Insight, Bluefield water experts analyze:

  • Installed capacity across municipal wastewater treatment plants
  • Impact of lower natural gas prices
  • Market drivers including State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Federal Incentives
  • Potential biogas capture at Wastewater Treatment Plants

Bluefield Takeaways

  • Power players are selectively tapping the wastewater sector for offtake opportunities, indicating a convergence between water and power.
  • Rising costs place additional pressure on wastewater utilities
  • Biogas capture opportunities at municipal wastewater treatment plants will continue to be one-off opportunities driven by renewable policies rather than costs.