Dutch Water Authority achieves energy-positive status in wastewater treatment

Waternet, the public water utility of Amsterdam and operational arm of Water Authority Amstel, Gooi and Vecht, is one of the first water authorities in the Netherlands to consistently produce more energy than it consumes. This milestone includes the critical operation of Amsterdam’s main wastewater treatment plant, where renewable energy innovations now ensure that energy generation outpaces consumption — a major step forward in making the water sector more sustainable.

At the heart of this success is Amsterdam’s main wastewater treatment plant, WWTP West, where four newly commissioned wind turbines are now producing clean energy. Located in the western port area, the turbines generate around 21,000 megawatt-hours annually, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 10,000 Amsterdam households.

Yet it’s not wind power alone driving this transformation. The authority’s energy-positive status results from a diverse and innovative mix of renewables. Over 20,000 solar panels and one of the country's largest green gas facilities, which produces biogas from sewage sludge, complement the new turbines. Together, these initiatives not only power wastewater treatment sustainably but also help reshape the future energy landscape.

“I’m incredibly proud that we are one of the first water authorities to generate more energy than we use through sustainable energy sources. We are constantly looking for ways to contribute to the energy transition. But this doesn’t mean we can sit back. The demand for energy will continue to rise due to the growing city of Amsterdam and the increasing number of substances we need to remove from wastewater,” said Sander Mager, board member of the water authority.

Amstel, Gooi and Vecht are exploring further energy-saving measures and alternative renewable sources like aquathermal energy

The four wind turbines form part of a broader ambition. Amsterdam plans to install around seventeen new turbines citywide, further integrating local renewable energy into critical infrastructure like water treatment.

The collaborative effort between the Water Authority and sustainable energy and waste company HVC was key to achieving this milestone. As a co-owner of the turbines, HVC helped realize the vision of a greener wastewater sector.

“HVC is proud of this strong collaboration with the water authority – one of our shareholders – whom we support in its journey towards sustainability. The Dutch energy landscape is changing, which calls for local solutions, innovation and strong partnerships. Only together can we accelerate the energy transition,” said Dion van Steensel, CEO of HVC.

Despite the current energy surplus, the water authority remains vigilant. Rapid urbanization, stricter wastewater standards, and climate change are driving up energy needs for treatment and pumping. To stay ahead, Amstel, Gooi and Vecht are exploring further energy-saving measures and alternative renewable sources like aquathermal energy, which harnesses heat from wastewater and surface water to provide fossil-free heating for buildings.

The impact is already substantial: the wind turbines alone prevent over 14.4 kilotonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, accounting for about 20% of the authority’s total footprint, and represent a major step towards achieving full climate neutrality by 2030.

At the opening ceremony, a Delft blue ceramic tile illustrating the wind turbines and solar panels was unveiled, celebrating this pioneering achievement in energy-positive wastewater treatment. It will be permanently displayed at WWTP West as a symbol of progress in the Dutch water sector’s sustainability journey.