Economic Assessment of Energy Consumption in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Applicability of Alternative Nature-Based Technologies in Portugal

Understanding how to address today’s global challenges is critical improving corporate performance in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. In wastewater treatment systems, such an approach implies integrating efficient technologies with aspects the circular economy. this business field, energy costs represent a large share operating costs. This work discusses technological management leading greater savings Portuguese companies. A mixed methodology, involving qualitative quantitative aspects, for collecting analysing data from plants was used. The consisted narrative analysis information available on reports websites 11 companies Portugal (e.g., technologies, treated volumes costs) followed by review several international studies. involved calculating specific consumption (kWh/m3), (EUR/m3) per population equivalent (EUR/inhabitants) using literature collected SABI database. results suggested that most environmentally economically sustainable solution algae-based technology which might allow reduction between 0.05–0.41 EUR/m3 15.4–180.8 EUR/inhabitants compared activated sludge other conventional methods. technology, addition being financially advantageous, provides ability eliminate carbon footprint valorisation algae biomass, suggesting biotechnology starting position itself as mandatory future sector.