UK water company developing SAF project from wastewater-treating algae

U.K.-based Northumbrian Water Group Ltd. announced Feb. 25 that a team of its research experts is developing a ground-breaking project that will transform algae grown in domestic sewage into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Named the “Green Machine,” the innovation will see experts using algae to extract nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater, recover it and then convert it into sustainable fuels.

The project, which has used a £6.5 million (USD$8.2 million) investment from the water company will help to reduce environmental impacts of waste treatment and will save up to £1 million (USD$1.3 million) per year in operational costs.

Northumbrian Water is leading the development of the project to scale up the algal treatment of wastewater and is working with partners at U.S.-based BrightWave and filtration experts at Liqoflux.

It is anticipated that the Green Machine will be trialed at Bran Sands Treatment Works in Teesside by this summer.

“The Green Machine is set to revolutionize the way we treat waste, and we are incredibly excited that we have started work on this brand-new project,” said Angela MacOscar, the head of innovation at Northumbrian Water Group.

“With our ‘power from poo’ project, where we create green energy using the sludge that is left over from wastewater treatment, we have already shown that we are leading the industry in pushing the boundaries of innovation—and this is set to be carried forward with this project,” MacOscar said. “Not only will this help to develop a value-added product, but it will also help to boost us forward towards our own net-zero goals and help us to achieve our net-zero ambitions.”

BrightWave President Tim Shaw added, “BrightWave is thrilled to support Northumbrian Water in this innovative and important project. It will be one of Europe's largest indoor algae-based initiatives and a model for future applications. We’re excited about how this venture’s integration of wastewater treatment, SAF development and a low-cost profile will position it as a viable and relevant worldwide solution.”