Sydney Water reducing its carbon footprint

Sydney Water is making a significant step in reducing its carbon footprint by awarding Cambi the contract to install a thermal hydrolysis plant (CambiTHP B6-3 system) at the St Marys Water Recycling Plant.

By installing the thermal hydrolysis plant (THP), Sydney Water is reducing energy use, transport and operational costs and maximising energy production and product recovery.

“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,” said Mark Simister, head of delivery management at Sydney Water. “This plant will significantly reduce the truck movements to dispose of large quantities of solids and provide a more effective and efficient way to manage sludge.”

THP will apply high pressure and temperature to break down the sludge’s organic matter into smaller and more digestible compounds. This process will produce an increased amount of biogas, a source of renewable energy. The increased volume of biogas will help reduce St Marys’ energy costs by producing more renewable electricity on-site.

“THP will play an important role in transforming how Australian wastewater plants will manage sludge in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner,” said Simister.

Sydney Water is currently treating an average of 38.1 million litres per day of sewage at St Marys and 33 million litres per day of sewage at Quakers Hill Water Recycling Plant. After the installation of the THP, the plant at St Marys will be capable of treating the sludge generated by both the St Marys and Quakers Hill Water plants (64 million litres per day). The THP plant will be operational in the second half of 2019.

Image source: ©Sydney Water