Energy recovery from methane in wastewater treatment: case studies in El Salvador, Mexico and Panama

4 June 2025 | Publication

Work area(s)

Natural resources

Topic(s)

Natural resources Water resources Energy

Energy recovery from methane in wastewater treatment: case studies in El Salvador, Mexico and Panama

- Author: Saravia Matus, Silvia; Fernández, Diego; Chavarro, Pedro; Montañez, Alfredo; Sarmanto, Natalia
- Physical description: 55 pages.
- Publisher: CEPAL
- UN symbol (Signature): LC/TS.2024/143
- Date: 4 June 2025

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Abstract

The study also highlights the importance of building water and sanitation utilities' technical, operational, policy-based and forward-planning capacities. The present challenge is therefore to devise ways of enhancing the sector's institutional capacities, not only for the application of circular economy principles in water management in the region but also for meeting the challenges associated with the current innovations being driven by artificial intelligence and big data solutions. Doing so will make it possible to leverage activities and projects that will make a direct contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Table of contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • I. Harnessing methane emissions and electricity cogeneration: taking a circular economy approach to wastewater treatment
  • II. Economic, environmental and social viability of harnessing the energy potential of methane in WWTPs having a capacity under 500 l/s: case studies in El Salvador, Mexico and Panama
  • III. Conclusions.

SDG(s)

6. Clean water and sanitation 7. Affordable and clean energy