Goa's Innovative Approach: Repurposing STP Water for Green Hydrogen Production
Key Ideas
- Goa government collaborates with BITS Pilani to use treated STP water for green hydrogen production.
- BITS will develop an optimized electrolysis system to enhance H2 production rates and energy efficiency.
- Preliminary results show STP water is a promising alternative for electrolysis, but requires further treatment for optimal performance.
- The project aims to deploy larger scale units at various STP plants in Goa for sustainable green hydrogen production.
The Goa government, in collaboration with BITS Pilani, is exploring the innovative use of treated wastewater from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for green hydrogen (H2) production. BITS will develop an optimized electrolysis system with integrated partial purification system to achieve enhanced H2 production rates, improved energy efficiency, and long-term stability. The project aims to repurpose STP water, which is usually discharged into surface water bodies, for green hydrogen production with minimal additional purification steps. Professor Pradeep Sow highlights that despite minor impurities in STP water, it presents a promising alternative to seawater for electrolysis-based H2 production. Preliminary results using STP water indicate minimal impact on hydrogen evolution but significant impact on oxygen evolution. To address these challenges, BITS proposes a mapping of ionic composition to identify targeted water treatment strategies for optimal electrolysis performance. The project envisions deploying larger scale units at STP plants in Goa, promoting a sustainable and cost-effective pathway for green H2 production.