Cambi has been awarded a contract for two thermal hydrolysis process (THP) systems to be integrated into the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant in Wellington, New Zealand, as part of the new Sludge Minimisation Facility (SMF). The project will revolutionise the way the city manages its wastewater solids. THP will more than halve the required anaerobic digester volume, increase green electricity production from biogas, and improve dewatering sufficiently to reduce the size and energy requirement of the thermal drying facility by more than 40%.

The Wellington City Council is committed to investing in innovative and sustainable solutions for water and wastewater treatment. Apart from the significantly improved energy balance, thermal hydrolysis will open safe avenues for reuse to improve soil health or produce energy, reducing the volume taken to the landfill by 80%. The new facility will reduce carbon emissions from solids treatment and processing by more than 60%.

The Moa Point wastewater treatment plant services Wellington?s more than 200,000 residents before discharge in the Cook Strait. The sludge minimisation project is an essential step to improve the local environment and reduce carbon emissions. The project is Cambi?s southern- and easternmost yet.

HEB Construction and McConnell Dowell is the awarded contractor and will execute the SMF project, with the thermal hydrolysis scheduled for operation by 2026.