Yorkshire Water is spearheading a £2.3 million project, funded by the Ofwat Innovation Fund, aimed at converting sewage sludge into valuable products such as biochar, vitrified ash ‘stones’, and hydrogen-rich synthesis gas, reports Business Link. This innovative initiative is designed to eliminate contaminants, including persistent chemicals and microplastics, utilizing Advanced Thermal Conversion Gasification technology.
The consortium, comprising technology provider EnertecGreen, Queen’s University Belfast, Carbon Trust, and several major water companies including Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Scottish Water, Irish Water, Northern Ireland Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water, is set to redefine waste management in the water industry.
The project's success could signify a major leap towards a circular economy by repurposing biochar for wastewater treatment and as an additive in brick manufacturing. The carbon-rich biochar, resembling small charcoal fragments, promises enhanced soil water and nutrient retention, and its resistant nature makes it a viable option for long-term carbon sequestration.
Additionally, the vitrified ash ‘stones’ are projected to serve as sustainable aggregate in the construction industry, potentially lowering its carbon footprint. The syngas, a mix of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane, can be harnessed to generate green electricity and produce high-value products like aviation fuel.
The carbon-rich biochar, resembling small charcoal fragments, promises enhanced soil water and nutrient retention, and its resistant nature makes it a viable option for long-term carbon sequestration
Dr. Danielle Hankin, Innovation Programme Manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Converting sewage sludge into gas, biochar and ash ‘stones’ opens up new, more sustainable uses for this waste product. We’re proud to be pre-empting changes in legislation and consumer attitudes, by delivering a groundbreaking technology that benefits customers, the environment and future-proofs the water industry.
“Once proven, the Gasification process will produce sustainable wastewater treatment media and construction material, generate green electricity, and could create high-value products such as biomethanol, aviation fuel or hydrogen. Our work represents a pivotal step in driving the UK towards a greener, more resource-efficient future.”
Ofwat’s Senior Director, Helen Campbell, added: “There are big challenges in the water industry that must be solved, some are well known and others are less so. In our fourth Water Breakthrough Challenge we called for solutions with potential to deliver wide-scale, transformational change for customers, society and the environment – and that’s exactly what today’s winners have done. From raingardens to prevent flooding to green energy from treated sewage, innovations to cut the water sector’s carbon footprint to robots that patrol the pipe network, the winners are all helping shape a more sustainable and efficient water sector.”
