ALL-Streams HTO

ALL-Streams HTO

Led by: Anglian Water

Partners: Atkins Realis, Cetogenix Ltd, Cranfield University, Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, Uisce Éireann

See project updates on the Anglian Water website

In recent years, the water industry has faced a seemingly growing level of concern about its approach to land application of bioresources. To move to an alternative, there needs to be a thorough understanding, through scenario testing and technology evaluation, of the most feasible alternatives.

Two recent reports highlight the role that Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) processes could have in making bioresources an important part of the UK’s energy resilience and Net Zero strategy. Hydrothermal Oxidation (HTO) is an Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) process that seeks to replicate the conditions deep under the earth’s surface. This project will explore the value proposition of HTO as an alternative bioresource strategy for the water industry in England & Wales. As an alternative to sludge-to-land, HTO would reduce or eliminate agricultural pollution risk, reduce energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions, whilst also reducing road transport resulting in lower costs and further greenhouse gas emission reductions.

“In this groundbreaking project, paving the way for industry circularity we will be replicating the conditions that occur deep under the Earth’s surface to treat biowaste and recover valuable natural resources, benefitting the environment and society.” – Shaunna Berendsen, Chief Innovation Officer, Anglian Water

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Update from the project (April 2025)

Between October 2024 and March 2025, the project team recruited 2 experienced candidates to operate the pilot plant that is composed of an HTO process & downstream ammonia, phosphorus and organic compounds recovery processes.  The team also completed procurement of the HTO unit selecting a nominated supplier – Scientific Medical – from an initial list of 8 candidate suppliers.  The pilot plant, currently under construction at Cranfield University’s pilot hall, is due to be operational in August 2025, where the HTO integration trials will be conducted between August 2025 and April 2026. 

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Resources

For more information on ALL-Streams HTO take a look at the following resources:

• The project has shared its learnings via a Spring Showcase event. Watch the event recording and find other learnings and materials in Spring’s Knowledge Transfer library.