We're transforming the energy balance of wastewater treatment.
£6.26 million
We'll be working with four partners
Due to be completed August 2026
Wastewater treatment methods at medium to large sewage works rely on activated sludge. This century-old process involves bubbling air through sewage. It supports the growth of bacteria that clean the water so it’s safe to discharge to the environment.
The method has significantly improved public health globally. However, it's energy-intensive and uses approximately 55% of our wastewater treatment energy. It also releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that's 273 times more potent than CO2.
We're exploring a game-changing alternative: Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment (AWT). This innovative technique utilises different bacteria that thrive without air. It will naturally clean the water and eliminate nitrous oxide production.
The technique is already used in tropical regions. The warm temperatures help the bacteria perform at their best. For the UK climate, however, they will need some help. We've been following the research into this for over ten years. We're very excited to be now taking it to the next level.
Our sewage treatment works currently use anaerobic bacteria in digesters. This produces and captures biogas. We use biogas around our sites as a source of renewable energy. At some sites, we put this energy back into the National Grid.
The AWT process will still be able to produce biogas using this novel process. This is an important factor in helping the water industry achieve its Net Zero targets.
We're developing a mobile pilot plant. It will be tested at several of our wastewater treatment works. Thorough tests will be completed before going to our partnering water companies.
If everything works well, we will build a permanent AWT plant. We hope the plant will show its ability to replace the aging activated sludge process.
It's an ambitious project but it will help to shape a more sustainable future.
The project funded by £6.26 million from Ofwat started in September 2022 and we aim to complete it in August 2026. We're working with nine water companies and a university to thoroughly test AWT in the field.
UKWIR is important for cutting-edge research and development. We participate in their projects to find answers to shared challenges.
Cranfield University is renowned for its expertise in water science and engineering. We're working together for a water-secure future.
We're keen to hear from others on how we can help our customers, community, and the environment. If you're a university, academic or research institute or working group, we'd like to hear from you. Complete our academic form to discuss any of the following:
