One of the U.K.’s largest wastewater treatment works (WwTW) is set to become a source of renewable energy, according to Black & Veatch. The benefits of an upgrade at Davyhulme WwTW in Manchester include the generation of electricity from biogas and the potential to provide a sustainable source of soil improver.
Design and construction of the upgraded treatment facility will be undertaken by Black & Veatch as principal contractor under United Utilities’ Sludge Balanced Asset Program. Improvements will double sludge treatment capacity and process biosolids. The project will also produce biogas sufficient to generate electricity for running the new treatment process and for feeding into the National Grid, the company said.
“Sludge treatment is a 24-hour process, so there is a continuous supply of biogas,” said Pete Robinson, United Utilities program manager. “It is a very valuable resource and it is completely renewable. By harnessing this energy we can reduce our fuel bills and reduce our carbon footprint.”
The contract is planned to begin in early 2010 with initial operation in autumn 2011 and completion in late 2012.
