Solar-powered sludge drying plant sparks new possibilities

prospective

There is a new possibility of using sludge plants instead of just disposal, and even using such high temperature treatment and disposal.Étienne Schneider, Minster of the Economy and Foreign TradeThe Bettembourg biological treatment plant has seen its capacity increase from a capacity of 70 000 population equivalent to 95 000 population equivalent. In addition, the facilities already in place have undergone an upgrade. In total, the project involves the construction of eight polycarbonate greenhouse structures, covering a surface area of 5 000 m2.It is within these greenhouses that sludge is dried using solar energy. This increases the calorific value from zero up to that of lignite (brown coal), thereby producing a CO2-free alternative to fossil fuels. Having been dried, the sludge is compressed into bricks. It is then used as an additional fuel substitute for producing energy in regional industrial operations.This substitute combustible material is used for heating at a nearby industrial plant. Three tonnes of this fuel can be substituted for one tonne of normal pit coal.Benefits across the boardThanks to this project wastewater sludge has been reduced by 60 %. This is a positive step forward because it reduces the number of negative effect created when sludge is disposed of in an agricultural environment.Greenhouse gas emissions have also been reduced, with the current reduction being 1 100 tonnes of CO2 per year. Furthermore the costs associated with waste disposal and transportation costs have been reduced. In addition, five jobs have been created by the project.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Construction of a solar-powered sludge drying plant” is EUR 6 000 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 875 000 through the “Luxembourg” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.