Conference Agenda

Energy efficiency – treated water quality – digitalisation

The efficient operation of large wastewater treatment plants is not only an economical but an environmental question as well. The European Climate Law has set the ambitious goal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. When water and wastewater utilities make up ~2% global greenhouse gas emissions, it is a unique opportunity for the water sector to lead global decarbonization efforts.

In the meantime the Urban wastewater treatment directive imposes tertiary and quaternary treatment in larger plants of 150 000 p.e. and above, by 2039 and 2045 respectively. When talking about treatment efficiency we can’t forget about the phosphorus and nitrogen removal. The limits set by the law are getting more and more strict. Existing facilities are challenged to comply considering the limitations linked to physical footprint extension and to short-term investments.

In 2024 we can’t neglect the importance of digitalisation in any industries. Wastewater treatment is not an exception neither. There is a wide range of solutions to digitalise some parts of the entire wastewater treatment plant, but what are the hands-on benefits, what is the ROI of the investment.

During the 2 hours workshop we are looking into the details of the energy efficiency, treated water quality and digitisation in the case of large wastewater treatment plants. We bring you examples of real cases and invite you to a joint discussion to learn from experts.

The workshop is built up on modules, with a possibility of attending 1, 2 or the 3 sessions. The breaks between the sessions provide a great opportunity to connect with the attendees and experts of the topics.

Agenda:

16:00 – 16:10	Opening remarks, round table with the attendees Henning Richter, Director Vertical Marketing Wastewater Europe
16:10 – 16:40	Energy optimisation of LWWTPs Jindrich Prochazka, Senior Process Engineer
16:40 – 16:50	Break
16:50 – 17:00	Treated water quality, nutrient recovery at LWWTPs Zsombor Vánkos, Engineering Project Management Team Leader
17:00 – 17:10	Break
17:10 – 17:40	Digitalisation of LWWTPs Kalincikova, Zuzana, Manager, Business Development
17:40 – 18:00	Closing remarks and conclusions

Nature-based and digitally advanced opportunities in large treatment plant upgrades
Discussion of challenges and examples of drastic energy-saving solutions

1. Economic upgrade solutions with reactor and nature-based integration
- Challenges on existing wwtps of worldwide urban sprawl and continuous discharge standard tightening
- Upgrade options
- Integration opportunities for affordable nature-based solutions in upgrades
- Process background of nature-based treatment
- Advantages of integrated approach
- Examples of real-life installations in different continents
- Perspective from the operator’s point of view


2. Digital tools to find hidden reserves for significant energy saving in your WWTP.
- The source of untapped reserves in every treatment plant
- Importance of plant specific biological modeling
- The fusion of biological modeling and digital automation solutions
- Advanced process control strategies
- Examples of energy saving of above 40%
- Perspective from the operator’s point of view