Northumbrian Water is spearheading a project, dubbed the "Green Machine," which aims to transform algae grown in domestic sewage into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to a press release. This novel approach not only presents an alternative to conventional jet fuel but also enhances wastewater treatment processes.
The project, backed by a £6.5 million investment from the water company, is set to reduce environmental impacts and save up to £1 million annually in operational costs of treatment. The key to this innovation lies in the ability of algae to extract nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater. These nutrients are then recovered and converted into SAF, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both aviation and waste management sectors.
Northumbrian Water is collaborating with U.S.-based company BrightWave and filtration specialists at Liqoflux to scale up the algal wastewater treatment process. The Green Machine is expected to undergo trials at the Bran Sands Treatment Works in Teesside by the summer of 2025.
Bran Sands is a major sludge treatment centre, industrial effluent treatment site, and gas-to-grid facility. Currently, the treatment process generates a challenging effluent that is costly to manage and contributes to the GHG emissions of the plant. Northumbrian has tested the remedial properties of microalgae to reduce treatment costs and the plant’s carbon footprint, and is looking to scale up the concept to provide full treatment of digested sludge liquor.
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “The Green Machine is set to revolutionize the way we treat waste, and we are incredibly excited that we have started work on this brand-new project. With our ‘Power from Poo’ project, where we create green energy using the sludge that is left over from wastewater treatment, we have already shown that we are leading the industry in pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
Tim Shaw, President at BrightWave, highlighted the project's significance: “This will be one of Europe's largest indoor algae-based initiatives and a model for future applications.” He highlighted how the venture’s integration of wastewater treatment, SAF development, and a low-cost profile would position it as a viable and relevant worldwide solution.
The UK water industry is engaged in additional projects focused on converting sewage sludge into SAF. Last year, Firefly Green Fuels, announced it is set to build a pioneering facility to transform sewage sludge into sustainable aviation fuel, in collaboration with Anglian Water, who will supply the sewage sludge, and other partners. The initiative represents another key step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector and supporting the transition to greener fuel alternatives.
