Interactive Calculator · 2026
STP Lifecycle Cost Comparison Tool
Compare MBBR, SBR and MBR sewage treatment plants on total lifecycle cost — upfront capex plus lifetime energy — at your capacity, plant lifespan and power tariff. The cheapest technology to build is rarely the cheapest to own.
Total lifecycle cost = capex + lifetime energy (Rs)
Your plant & tariff
Kilolitres treated per day.
Horizon for running-cost accrual.
Applied to lifetime energy use.
Larger plants amplify the energy gap between technologies — MBR's membranes cost most to run.
| Technology | Capex (Rs/KLD) | Specific energy (kWh/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| MBBR · Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor | 18,000 | 0.8 |
| SBR · Sequencing Batch Reactor | 22,000 | 0.9 |
| MBR · Membrane Bioreactor | 30,000 | 1.2 |
Capex vs lifetime energy, by technology
Each bar stacks upfront build cost over the energy you'll pay for across 15 years at Rs 8/kWh.
MBBR has the lowest total lifecycle cost here — Rs 53.04 L. A low sticker price (capex) can be overtaken by years of energy bills, so compare the whole stack, not just the build.
MBR gives the best effluent and smallest footprint but the highest energy draw; MBBR and SBR trade a little quality for lower running cost.
How this is calculated
- Capex = capacity × capex rate (Rs/KLD).
- Annual energy cost = capacity × specific energy × 365 × tariff = kWh/day × days × Rs/kWh.
- Lifecycle cost (LCC) = capex + annual energy cost × 15 years. The lowest LCC is recommended.
Simplified model for concept-stage comparison: energy is the dominant opex but real O&M also includes labour, chemicals, membrane replacement (MBR) and sludge handling. Confirm with vendor quotes before procurement.
Related Guides — Deep-dive reading
STP Lifecycle Cost Comparison: MBBR vs SBR vs MBR (2026 India Guide)
The cheapest STP to buy is rarely the cheapest to own. This guide compares whole-life cost — capital plus fifteen years of running cost — across MBBR, SBR and MBR, with realistic 2026 Indian rupee ranges for developers, owners and RWAs.
Sewage Treatment PlantsMBR STP Cost Guide: What a Membrane Bioreactor Really Costs in India (2026)
Why MBR carries the highest capital and running cost of any sewage treatment technology in India — membranes, power and replacements — and exactly when that premium pays for itself through water reuse and a smaller footprint.
Sewage Treatment PlantsSTP vs Municipal Sewer Connection: What Every Developer Should Know
Treat sewage on-site with an STP or pipe it to the city sewer? A clear, Indian-context comparison of availability, capacity, cost, water reuse and compliance — with a side-by-side table and verdict guidance by location and building size.
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