Jason Ren: Methane Leakage at Wastewater Utilities
How Much, How Bad, and How to Fix It
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Abstract
Biogas recovery is a critical strategy for decarbonizing water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), offering renewable energy production alongside waste treatment. However, methane (CH₄) leakage during digestion and biogas handling can significantly reduce or even negate the net climate and economic benefits. In this talk, I share findings from our collaborative studies that integrate ground-level measurements at operating WRRFs, sector-wide and global modeling to place site observations in context, and quantitative analysis of how leakage shifts net outcomes under different grid-decarbonization and wastewater-management scenarios. Together, these results clarify the magnitude, variability, and drivers of methane leakage and when biogas delivers robust net benefits.
Bio
Dr. Jason Ren (LinkedIn: zjasonren) is a professor in Princeton University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and former acting director of the Andlinger Center. He leads the Princeton WET Lab, focusing on resource recovery, water decarbonization, and digitalization. He has authored 260+ publications, one book, and co-founded two startups with students. His awards include the AEESP Frontier in Research Award, Paul Busch Award, and Huber Research Prize. He is a Fellow of IWA and RSC and serves as an executive editor for the journal of ES&T.