Unlocking the potential of biomethane for South West Water
Case study
Framing the challenge
South West Water faced increasing regulatory pressures and operational challenges in their sewage sludge processing and disposal. To ensure long-term sustainability, they sought a strategic review of biomethane production opportunities.
The key objectives were to:
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Generate revenue from biomethane sales
- Ensure compliance with Industrial Emissions Directive standards
- Align with long-term sludge strategy
Approach and implementation
We leveraged expertise in bioresources and anaerobic digestion to conduct a feasibility study, assessing the viability of a new-build anaerobic digestion facility with biomethane upgrading.
The assessment covered:
- Sludge production across operational areas
- Existing sludge processing infrastructure and its condition
- Compliance risks from regulations
- Biomethane market value, historical trends and subsidy opportunities
- Site upgrade options vs. a new sludge ‘supercentre’
Impact and outcomes
We delivered a data-driven options assessment, providing budget costs, site evaluations, and feasibility insights for biomethane production. Findings were presented to South West Water, followed by a detailed report used for sludge strategy planning and PR24 business case development.
Our work gave South West Water a clear strategic pathway to enhance sludge management, reduce emissions, and unlock commercial opportunities in biomethane production, setting the foundation for future sustainability and compliance.
Client: South West Water
Start Date: January 2022
End Date: August 2022
Project Lead: Sam Walmsley
Project Team: Karl Godfrey, Will Olsson
Services: Engineering, asset planning, net zero
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