Northumbrian Water and Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have collaborated to turn sewage waste into green gas and heat 59,000 homes.
NGN plan to double the amount of energy produced from renewable gas (biomethane) produced from organic materials in the next five years. This includes the use of household and green waste.
The process of creating biomethane begins by heating and then cooling the waste, afterwards transferring to large digestors where bacteria will break down the waste. This releases biogas and once processed, becomes biomethane.
On top of this, any material left behind can be used as agricultural fertiliser.
Lee Curry, Treatment Works Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This long-standing project is a great example of how we’re turning something customers flush away every day into a valuable resource.
“By working with Northern Gas Networks, we’re transforming sewage sludge from communities on Tyneside into green gas that goes straight back into heating local homes and businesses.”
NGN’s new project aims to transform the waste from one million flushed toilets per day to support communities, reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable energy system.
