Proving the concept of sewage sludge pyrolysis
Amount awarded: £6,205,773
Led by: Thames Water
Partners: Cranfield University, Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY), Southern Water, Stantec Ltd, Uisce Éireann, Yorkshire Water
We aim to deliver the first continuously operating, sludge-fed UK-based pyrolysis demonstration plant. Pyrolysis (a high temperature process with no oxygen present) can be used to recycle sludge to maximise the value of biosolids; ensuring a circular economy and reducing the requirement for sludge to be recycled to agricultural land.
“Sludge is a resource not a waste, it contains nutrients required for plants and usable energy. This investment opens the door for a circular economy approach and can contribute to net zero carbon, enhance the environment and add operational resilience, therefore providing a sustainable future for biosolids management.” – Nevil Muncaster, Engineering & Asset Director, Thames Water
—
Since the announcement Thames Water has started to work on the Pre-Kick Off stage of the project. A Project Plan has been created and Thames Water Internal Governance processes have been followed and the Project Sponsor has been updated. The project is being started on 2nd September but the official Kick Off will be In November 2024.Thames Water have been engaging with potential delivery partners for the Pilot Plant with the external Procurement Exercise due to start imminently
For more information on Proving the concept of sewage sludge pyrolysis, take a look at the following resources:
