Decarbonization in Sludge Thermal Treatments for Electrical Power Generation Considering Artificial Intelligence

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of decarbonization strategies in sludge thermal treatments for electrical power generation, addressing the critical need for sustainable waste management in global efforts to mitigate climate change. Sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, poses environmental challenges due to its high carbon content, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The study explores various decarbonization techniques applied to sludge thermal treatments, emphasizing their potential to enhance energy recovery while minimizing carbon footprint. The overview covers innovative technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, and co-combustion, assessing their efficacy in reducing carbon emissions during sludge-to-energy conversion. Additionally, the paper evaluates the impact of process parameters, feedstock characteristics, and operational conditions on the success of decarbonization methods. Insights are drawn from recent advancements and case studies, providing a holistic understanding of the state-of-the-art practices in decarbonizing sludge-based power generation. The findings underscore the significance of integrating decarbonization strategies into sludge treatment processes for environmental sustainability and optimizing energy production. By outlining research gaps and proposing future directions for advancing decarbonization technologies in sludge thermal treatments, this work contributes to a more sustainable approach to wastewater management and energy generation.