Thames Water and AquaGreen are pleased to announce that AquaGreen has been appointed as the technology provider for an Ofwat-funded project to deliver the UK’s first continuously operating, sludge-fed integrated steam-drying and pyrolysis demonstration plant at Crossness Sewage Treatment Works in South East London.
The project, part of the Water Breakthrough Challenge (“Transform”), aims to prove the concept of sewage sludge pyrolysis as a scalable, circular solution for biosolids management.
AquaGreen’s solution enables sewage sludge to be converted into valuable resources – recovering nutrients, generating thermal energy and reducing reliance on land application – supporting a more circular and resilient wastewater sector.
The project, part of the Water Breakthrough Challenge (“Transform”), aims to prove the concept of sewage sludge pyrolysis as a scalable, circular solution for biosolids management.
AquaGreen’s solution enables sewage sludge to be converted into valuable resources – recovering nutrients, generating thermal energy and reducing reliance on land application – supporting a more circular and resilient wastewater sector.
At Thames Water the project is perceived as an important step towards a more sustainable sector
Adam Rollinson, Head of Engineering Innovation at Thames Water, said:
“Pyrolysis has the potential to reshape how we think about biosolids. By converting sludge into useful products, this technology could offer a more resilient and circular approach to wastewater treatment. It’s an important step in exploring how innovation might support the future of our sector.”
James Litherland, Innovation Project Manager at Thames Water, added:
“We selected AquaGreen as a supplier for their unique pyrolysis package plant solution and their excellent level of technical engagement, which aligns strongly with our ambition to transform sludge management through sustainable, compliant and data-driven approaches.”
The choice of AquaGreen was made based on the company’s technology and its ability to collaborate
Peter Winter, Principal Engineer at Thames Water, commented:
“AquaGreen’s technology offers a robust platform for real-world trials, giving us confidence in its ability to prove the concept of sewage sludge pyrolysis and deliver meaningful insights and long-term value for the sector and for our customers.”
AquaGreen considers the project strategically important for the company’s international growth
Ebrahim Honar, Chief Commercial Officer at AquaGreen, says:
“This project is of strategic importance for the sector and for AquaGreen’s international growth journey. Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater utility, and their decision to select our technology sends a strong signal. We believe this will accelerate the transition towards circular and sustainable biosolids management worldwide.”
Thomas Nygaard Hamann, CEO of AquaGreen, concluded:
“For AquaGreen, this project is a crucial step in our international expansion. Thames Water is one of the world’s most recognized players in water and wastewater, and their selection of our technology is a strong validation of the work we have carried out over many years. We see this collaboration as the beginning of a major Danish technology journey—where Danish engineering and green innovation can make a mark on a global market with enormous potential”
The plant is expected to be operational in mid-2027.
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HECLA® Setores (Sewage to Resources) transforms biosolids management by turning wastewater sludge into a valuable carbon-rich resource. The integrated steam-drying and pyrolysis solution enables wastewater treatment plants to produce high-value biochar while permanently sequestering carbon.
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Est 2014