AWW explores waste energy to manage high-energy biosolids efficiently

The Infrastructure, Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting held on April 18, 2025, focused on the Municipality of Anchorage's approach to waste energy management, particularly the incineration of biosolids. A key discussion point was the Anchorage Water and Wastewater (AWW) initiative to support waste energy as a sustainable solution for managing high-energy biosolids produced at the local wastewater treatment facility.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the facility generates approximately 20 dry tons of biosolids daily, which contain about 85% energy-rich material. This high energy content makes the biosolids a viable candidate for energy recovery through incineration. However, the current multi-hearth incinerator, which has been in operation for decades, is nearing the end of its useful life and is costly to maintain. The facility incurs around $3 million annually in gas and electric costs alone, not accounting for additional expenses related to air permitting and water usage.

The discussion underscored the need for a more efficient and sustainable waste management system, as the existing incinerator is not only energy-intensive but also consumes significant amounts of water, making the wastewater plant the largest water customer in the municipality. The committee's focus on waste energy reflects a broader commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing operational costs while addressing environmental concerns.

As the Municipality of Anchorage moves forward, the exploration of alternative waste energy solutions could lead to enhanced efficiency and sustainability in managing biosolids, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the community.