New Sludge Dryers Enhance Sustainability of Water Treatment Chain
Aquafin has started constructing two CO₂-neutral sludge dryers in Beringen and Roeselare. The residual heat from Biostoom Beringen and the intermunicipal Mirom will be used to dry the sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Together with Aquafin, Stadsbader, and Huber, Sweco has handled the design and preparation of the environmental permit for both sludge dryers. We also contributed to the HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Analysis) to integrate safety aspects into the concept as much as possible. We are now working on the architectural design, structural engineering, and building techniques.
This project is a crucial step in Aquafin’s ambition to make the treatment of purification sludge more efficient and sustainable. The two new installations are expected to be operational by 2026, replacing three outdated sludge dryers in Deurne, Leuven, and Houthalen. This project has an investment value of over 110 million euros and plays an important role in achieving Aquafin’s goal of eliminating fossil fuels from the sludge treatment process.
Dried Sludge Valorised as Fuel
With the construction of new sludge dryers, Aquafin is taking an important step towards a CO₂-neutral future. These innovative installations combine advanced technology, sustainable energy sources, and residual heat, setting a new standard for sludge treatment and contributing to the circular economy.
The dried sludge does not end up as waste but is valorised as fuel in a planned mono-processing installation. Here, it is used to generate high-pressure steam for industrial processes, making sludge treatment both more sustainable and circular. The locations in Beringen and Roeselare are strategically chosen to ensure efficient sludge transport and minimise transport kilometres.
Design & Build Follows Successful Permit Process
The project was launched through a design-and-build procedure, with the Stadsbader-Deckx-Sweco-Huber team selected as the best bidder. After a complex permitting process, the permits for the sites in Beringen and Roeselare were granted in June and August 2024, respectively.
During the permitting phase, Sweco was responsible for the architectural, structural, and process concept. In the implementation phase, our teams are handling the detailed engineering of architecture, stability, and building techniques, and coordinating with the detailed process engineering carried out by Deckx and Huber.
At both sites, work has now started with the execution of pile foundations and pile walls for the shoring of the deeply excavated sludge bunker.
