Inspired by the ECLAC study, “Incentives and Opportunities in the Regulatory Framework for the Energy Utilization of Biogas Produced in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Selected Latin American and Caribbean Countries,” the Methane Calculator serves as a pre-feasibility tool. Its purpose is not to replace formal feasibility studies but to provide an agile and accessible way to conduct an initial assessment, enabling users to identify viable projects for more detailed analysis.
The calculator is dynamic, as its calculations adjust based on the type of technology selected for the wastewater treatment plant. This ensures customized results tailored to the specific characteristics of each technology, whether anaerobic, aerobic, or dual treatment. Users input basic data such as installed capacity, treated flow, BOD and COD concentrations, technology type, energy cost, and discount rate. From these inputs, the tool calculates key variables such as avoided methane emissions, biogas energy content, potential economic savings, and environmental benefits.
This tool not only facilitates a preliminary evaluation of the energy and environmental potential of plants but also underscores the feasibility of implementing circular models in small plants—an aspect often underestimated. It thus becomes an essential resource for operators, decision-makers, and key stakeholders interested in more sustainable business models.
The constants used in the calculations, such as the calorific value of methane (9.97 kWh/m³), the efficiency of the electrical generator system (35%), and the average carbon price (0.077 USD/kg CO₂), are based on specialized literature. However, future versions of the calculator will offer advanced options to adjust these parameters, allowing for even more precise calculations tailored to the specific conditions of each plant.
The calculator is entirely free and open-access, ensuring its availability to a wide range of users across the region. Moreover, it is a continually evolving project, with plans to add new features and improve its flexibility and precision in the future.
Access the calculator now by clicking here.
The Methane Calculator not only empowers users with accessible and personalized data but also contributes to the design of sustainable strategies, encourages favorable regulation for biogas utilization, and reinforces ECLAC’s commitment to energy and environmental development in Latin America and the Caribbean. This project promises to be an essential tool in the transition toward circular economies and the promotion of sustainability throughout the region.
