The Economic Times

Earlier in 2026, WSU researchers heated and pressurized sewage sludge with oxygen, producing 200% more renewable gas. Now the process cuts treatment costs from $494 to $253 per ton

WSU researchers treated sewage sludge under high temperature and pressure while introducing oxygen. Under those conditions, the relatively small amount of oxygen acts as a catalyst, helping break apart long polymer chains and making the organic material easier for microbes to process.