Arkansas State Researchers Turn Sewer Waste into Energy

A new National Science Foundation grant supports efforts to convert sewage into electricity and heat.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Environmental

A close-up view of a glass laboratory bioreactor with swirling organic fluid connected to a stainless steel collection pipe. — Arkansas State University researchers have received a National Science Foundation grant to convert sewage carbohydrates into methane for sustainable electricity and heat generation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe energy produced from recycled sewer waste could help replace traditional fossil fuels?

Arkansas State University researchers were awarded a National Science Foundation grant in the summer of 2026 to develop sewer waste-to-energy technologies. This initiative seeks to convert carbohydrates in waste into methane and carbon dioxide to generate power.

Why it matters

By optimizing methane production through reduced sulfur content, this research aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The project seeks to address energy needs while mitigating waste production.

Researchers plan to test chemical compounds such as calcium oxide and magnesium oxide to remove oxygen from carbohydrates. The study will monitor how these additives influence methane output compared to baseline sulfur production levels.

The players

Arkansas State University

This public research university located in Jonesboro serves as the primary site for the wastewater energy conversion experiments.

National Science Foundation

This federal agency supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

The details

The conversion process removes oxygen from carbohydrates found in wastewater to create combustible gases. By decreasing sulfur levels in the byproduct, the team intends to increase methane yields that can be utilized for electricity and heat generation.

The National Science Foundation grant was awarded in the summer of 2026.
A May 2025 NOAA report established 2024 as the hottest year on record.
Experimental testing is scheduled to take place over the next two years.

The Big Picture

This project represents a shift in waste management paradigms by reclassifying sewage as a viable energy source rather than a disposal challenge. The research aligns with broader efforts to transition away from fossil fuels following the 2024 global temperature records.

If successful, this technology could provide a new, low-cost source of electricity and heat for municipal utilities. Such advancements may eventually lower utility costs and reduce the carbon footprint of regional waste management facilities.

The takeaway

Turning wastewater into fuel offers a promising way to manage city resources more efficiently. Residents can look forward to future developments as this research progresses over the next two years.