Why Utilities Need To Prioritize Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) can be a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment, but the water sector still has a long way to go in implementing solutions for monitoring, controlling, and reporting these emissions. What are some steps utilities can take now to start managing N₂O emissions, and what solutions can they expect in the future? Xylem expert Dr. Oliver Puckering explains.

A 2023 Xylem survey of 100 utilities found that 75% had plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and many were already reducing emissions by installing more energy-efficient technologies and using digital solutions to optimize operations. Despite their significant impact, utilities ranked process emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, close to last in their priorities for action.

To understand why utilities should prioritize reducing nitrous oxide emissions and how to take action, Xylem’s Making Waves spoke with Dr. Oliver Puckering, lead for the Partnership Accelerator program at Xylem Innovation Labs.