Thames Water has launched a preliminary market engagement to explore the design and construction of an innovative anaerobic treatment system capable of converting crude sewage into renewable energy and valuable nutrient products.
The notice invites technology providers, engineering consultants, experienced operators, and system integrators to share expertise and help shape what could become a significant procurement in the UK water sector.
The proposed facility aligns with Thames Water's broader environmental and decarbonisation objectives, reflecting a wider industry shift towards treating wastewater not as a disposal challenge but as a resource recovery opportunity. Through anaerobic digestion processes, the utility aims to extract energy and potentially marketable nutrient streams from sewage that would otherwise require energy intensive treatment.
Before committing to a formal tender, Thames Water is seeking to understand current market capabilities and gather insight from suppliers with expertise in anaerobic wastewater treatment and the wider bioresource sector. The engagement aims to test supplier appetite, identify innovative technologies and delivery models, and surface any risks or dependencies that could influence project design at an early stage.
Suppliers who express interest may be invited to participate in one to one discussions, questionnaires, or dedicated engagement sessions. All feedback received will be used solely to inform the utility's future procurement strategy.
The engagement deadline is 28 April 2026, with interested parties able to request access to the market engagement materials via an online form. The notice makes clear that this process does not constitute a formal call for competition.
Should the project advance, contract works are estimated to run from May 2026 to February 2028, covering London and the South East of England.
