Renewable energy 2 topics

Enhanced solar and wind energy self-production by better using the available surfaces in WWTP can significantly contribute to energy neutrality.

Waste water is a constant and inexhaustible resource that can carry ~25% of a building’s daily energy consumption and in most cases, is being allowed to go to waste into our sewer systems. Recovering and reusing the thermal energy with heat pumps can help counteract climate change.

Sludge management is an economical and environmental challenge, and biogas recovery is a way of adding value to operations. It consists of digesting the sludge in order to reduce its volume and produce biogas, which can create renewable energy. There are technologies that allow for an enhanced production of biogas.
Biogas can be used on site to produce heat and electricity that can be consumed or exported. It can also be upgraded to biomethane and injected into the gas networks or used as vehicle fuel. It may also play a role in the energy/gas markets thanks to its storage possibilities and the potential flexibility of the WWTP operation as well as use of the biogas/electricity.

Sewage sludge is loaded into anaerobic digesters, where it is mixed with bacteria to break it down. As the bacteria digest the sewage methane is produced, as well as a fertiliser by-product. The methane is piped into large engines which produce heat and electricity. Electricity can be used on site or exported to the National Grid, whilst the heat is used to keep the digesters at the right temperature.