Inspired by the ECLAC study, “Incentives and opportunities in the regulatory framework for the energy use of biogas produced in wastewater treatment plants in selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean”, the calculator acts as a pre-prefeasibility tool. . Its purpose is not to replace formal prefeasibility studies, but to provide an agile and accessible way to perform an initial evaluation, allowing users to identify viable projects for more detailed analysis.
The calculator is dynamic, as the calculations vary depending on the type of technology selected for the wastewater treatment plant. This ensures personalized results adapted to the specific characteristics of each technology, whether anaerobic, aerobic or dual treatment. Users enter basic data such as installed capacity, treated flow, BOD and COD concentrations, technology type, energy cost, and discount rate. From these inputs, the tool calculates key variables such as avoided methane emissions, energy content of biogas, potential economic savings and environmental benefits.
This tool not only facilitates a preliminary assessment of the energy and environmental potential of plants, but also highlights the feasibility of implementing circular models in small plants, something previously underestimated. This makes it an essential resource for operators, decision makers and key actors interested in more sustainable business models.
The constant values used in the calculations, such as the heating value of methane (9.97 kWh/m³), the efficiency of the electrical generating system (35%) and the average carbon price (0.077 USD/kg CO₂), are based on specialized literature . However, in future versions, the calculator will offer advanced options to adjust these parameters, allowing for even more precise calculations based on the specific conditions of each plant.
The calculator is completely free and open access, ensuring its availability to a wide range of users in the region. Furthermore, it is a constantly evolving project, with plans to add new features and improve its flexibility and accuracy in the future.
You can use the calculator right now by clicking here.
The “Methane Calculator” not only empowers users with accessible and personalized data, but also contributes to the design of sustainable strategies, promotes favorable regulation for the use of biogas and reinforces ECLAC’s commitment to energy and environmental development in Latin America and the Caribbean . This project promises to be an essential tool in the transition towards circular economies and the promotion of sustainability throughout the region.
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