Software
2016 • Global Methane Initiative (GMI); World Bank Group (WBG) BioWATT – Biogas Wastewater Assessment Technology Tool
BioWATT is a decision-support tool designed for preliminary assessments of wastewater-to-energy projects. It estimates biogas and electricity production potential, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, and operating expenses. The tool aids stakeholders like wastewater treatment operators, consultants, and policymakers to evaluate energy recovery from wastewater. Suitable for planning stages, BioWATT operates through a user-friendly Excel spreadsheet and supports diverse wastewater-to-energy technologies.
Recovered Materials & Products
Electricity
Biogas
Digestate
Waste Streams
Wastewater
Organic solid waste
Wastewater sludge
Sewage sludge
Confirmed countries
Denmark
What is this tool intended for?
BioWATT enables a quick and preliminary assessment of the feasibility of wastewater-to-energy projects. It calculates biogas production, electricity generation, GHG emission reductions, and operating expense impacts from adopting energy recovery technologies.
How does this tool work?
The Excel-based tool comprises two modules:
- Basic Module: Requires minimal inputs (e.g., hydraulic load, BOD5 concentration) for simplified assessments.
- Advanced Module: Enables detailed customization of wastewater and technology data for refined outputs.
The tool evaluates multiple technologies, such as activated sludge with anaerobic digestion and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors.
Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?
BioWATT is intended for wastewater treatment operators, consultants, and policymakers, especially in developing regions, to assess energy recovery projects and inform further feasibility analyses.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
It supports early-stage project planning and pre-feasibility assessments, guiding users in deciding whether to proceed with detailed studies.
What skills, capabilities, and resources are required to use this tool?
Basic familiarity with Excel is sufficient for using the tool. Advanced users benefit from a deeper understanding of wastewater treatment and energy recovery processes.
Where can this tool be used?
BioWATT is designed for urban wastewater treatment contexts, particularly in regions with reliable energy access for operational equipment. It is globally relevant but particularly suitable for developing countries. The tool is available in both English and Spanish.
Get the Tool
BioWATT is open access and available for free download on the GMI website using the link below
https://www.globalmethane.org/resources/details.aspx?resourceid=1913
Learn more
BioWATT User Manual
https://www.globalmethane.org/documents/BioWATTToolUserGuide_FINAL_1-27-16.pdf
Technologies
Anaerobic digestion
Activated sludge
Trickling filters
Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors
Anaerobic ponds
Themes
Assessment
Design
GHG emissions
Technologies