As pioneers within their field, Odsherred Forsyning A/S, has invested in advanced pyrolysis technology to eliminate the traditional practice of spreading sewage sludge on farmland. By transforming sludge to nutrient-rich biochar, AquaGreen’s innovative solution not only removes harmful substances from the sludge but also salvages valuable resources such as phosphorus and potassium.

While being a rich source of valuable soil nutrients, the practice of spreading sewage sludge on agricultural land is a harmful practice for the environment. This is due to the sludge containing microplastics, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and PFAS, which all pose significant public health and environmental risks.

Moreover, tightening regulations on wastewater treatment and additional costs and constraints are increasingly being imposed on traditional sludge disposal methods, causing strains on operational budgets and storage facilities at the treatment plant in Fårevejle.

Odsherred Forsyning A/S has adopted an innovative pyrolysis-based technology from AquaGreen to treat sewage sludge. Being the first of its kind globally, this system uses integrated steam-drying and pyrolysis to convert sludge into nutrient-rich biochar, effectively removing hazardous substances, including PFAS, capturing CO₂ and generating renewable energy.

Additionally, it recovers valuable resources such as phosphorus and potassium, which can be recirculated as soil improvers. The fully automated, unmanned facility operates at substantially lower costs compared to existing methods and creates new revenue streams through the sale of biochar, carbon removal credits and excess heat.

The AquaGreen HECLA® Setores 1.000 can reduce greenhouse gases by 1.800 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, produce 2.000 MWh of energy and store 500 tonnes of carbon in the biochar annually. The biochar produced is odourless and contains 5-6 percent plant-accessible phosphorus.

By providing an alternative to sludge disposal on farmland, AquaGreen’s pyrolysis treatment combats climate change by preventing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing CO₂, while recycling scarce minerals, reducing reliance on finite resources and offering valuable soil improvers and fertilizers.

Harmful substances are effectively removed from the sludge, preventing groundwater pollution and reducing public health risks. The process also eliminates malodour from both the wastewater facility and farmland and reduces transportation needs by 90 percent as sludge is transformed into biochar.

Ultimately, this process reduces handling costs by up to 90 percent while generating additional income from new revenue streams.