In a bid to take further action towards reducing its carbon footprint, Sydney Water has awarded Cambi the contract to install a thermal hydrolysis plant (THP) at the St Marys Water Recycling Plant.
The installation of the THP is said to help reduce energy use, transport and operational costs, as well as maximising energy production and product recovery.
Sydney Water Head of Delivery Management Mark Simister said the contract is part of the utility’s approach to tackling more sustainable service delivery.
“As part of Sydney Water’s commitment to tackle challenges in innovative ways, the installation of the plant will help us deliver cost-effective and quality services to our customers,” Simister said.
“This plant will significantly reduce truck movements to dispose of large quantities of solids and provide a more effective and efficient way to manage sludge.”
The new plant will apply high pressure and temperature to break down organic matter into smaller and more digestible compounds.
The process will produce an increased amount of biogas, which will be applied in the production of renewable energy. The increased volume of biogas is expected to help reduce St Marys’ energy costs by producing more electricity onsite.
“THP will play an important role in transforming how Australian wastewater plants will manage sludge in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner,” Simister said.
The plant is planned to be operational in the second half of 2019 and will be capable of treating the sludge generated by both the St Marys and Quakers Hill Water Recycling Plants. The St Marys Water Recycling Plant currently treats 38.1ML per day of sewage, while the Quakers Hill Water Recycling Plant treats 33ML of sewage a day.
Related video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognjlVCJ5sY&t=81s
by Water Source
