FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sewage Thermal Energy Utilization (STEU) represents a transformative approach to energy efficiency and sustainability. The term STEU was coined in the 2019 report by the American Water Works Association - Research Foundation (AWWA-RF). The concept goes beyond the traditional view of sewage as waste heat, recognizing its dual capability as a source for productive heating and cooling. STEU is a paradigm shift in acknowledging the untapped potential of thermal energy in sewage systems – energy that has been routinely disregarded in the past. LEARN MORE...

Yes, energy can be reclaimed and reused. It is important to understand all of the laws of thermodynamics but low quality energy can be reclaimed and made into higher quality energy.  This effort requires energy itself but thermal energy can be collected and reclaimed.  

No, the thermal energy is being collected from sewage and beneficially used.  If one were to cut into a STEU pipe in a building one would not find sewage.

We use thermodynamic devices called heat exchangers. These units either remove heat or add heat to the sewage. This is the dirty part of the process.

The second law of thermodynamics applies.  We use a thermodynamic device called a heat pump that pumps the temperature from cold to hot, hence its name.  This is done by applying energy (work) into the process. The advantage is that the device requires much less input energy for the amount of heat obtained than any other heating device made. 

Although it is a common property because we all contribute to it, the sewer authority owns the sewer and therefore its contents.  It is important to note this legal distinction has not been widely explored by the court (Adjudication) or law (Legislation).   

Yes, there are many examples of this application.  Refer to our photo gallery to see many examples of this technology.