Wastewater hydrogen nexus (WwHeN): Greening the wastewater industry via integration with the hydrogen economy✰

As industries rally toward achieving net zero emissions, hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels are emerging as key players in decarbonization efforts. Although the primary technology for producing renewable natural gas has been well implemented in the wastewater industry, the “decarbonization based goal setting” is trailing. This perspective assimilates existing literature presented in other contexts to highlight the need for framing the decarbonization dialog by using green hydrogen as a potential pathway for the wastewater industry. Specifically, we note the importance of (a) developing the decarbonization or net zero focus in the wastewater industry, and (b) colocating the wastewater industry with hydrogen production facilities. We also delve into technological, cost, and operational considerations to understand the readiness level of key stakeholders to identify future research and development opportunities for the wastewater hydrogen nexus.