Catalysing a NET-ZERO future

Catalysing a NET-ZERO future

Led by: Severn Trent

Partners: Microvi Biotechnologies, Cranfield University, Jacobs

One of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the water industry is nitrous oxide – 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It’s produced by bacteria that plays a vital role in removing toxic ammonia from wastewater. If ammonia isn’t removed, it damages aquatic life. Recently researchers have identified naturally occurring bacteria that can remove ammonia without producing nitrous oxide but these don’t ordinarily thrive in treatment plants. This project will develop innovative techniques for capturing these game-changing bacteria and putting them to work in our existing treatment processes.

“Reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions is hugely important to the water sector. This innovative approach, that retains the use of our existing treatment assets while driving down emissions using innovative biology and technology has the potential to deliver truly significant environmental and economic benefits for our customers”.- Pete Vale, Carbon Architect, Severn Trent

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Update from the team (January 2025):

The project is progressing well. An interim review has been carried out against the technical and LCA objectives, to ensure we are on track to deliver the outcomes of the trial. Following the review we have developed a more detailed plan of the laboratory testing being carried out.   Laboratory testing is progressing well and we are reviewing the outputs of this regularly with the suppliers.    We have continued to develop trial specification including detailing the trial phases and methodology. This will be finalised and signed off in the coming months.