Ofwat has taken the next steps to open the new bioresources market that uses treated sewage to generate energy.
The water industry regulator has set out guidelines and requirements for water companies to share common, consistent information about the waste – including about quantities and its moisture content – so those interested in buying it can make informed decisions on the value of the product they are buying.
The guidance has been issued to each of the 10 largest water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, namely:
- Anglian Water
- Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
- Northumbrian Water
- Severn Trent Water
- Southern Water
- South West Water Thames Water
- United Utilities
- Wessex Water
- Yorkshire Water
The treated sewage – known as bioresources – produces biogas, or green gas, which can be cleaned and injected into the gas grid or used to generate low-carbon electricity. When processed it can also be safely used in the agricultural sector as a fertiliser.
Introducing the new guidance, Ofwat said that analysis of the market had indicated that it is challenging and costly for incumbents and potential entrants, both other water and sewerage companies (WaSCs) and firms in wider waste markets, to identify profitable trades or optimisation opportunities.
At present there is no readily available supply-side information on where bioresources are produced, their quality or quantity. According to the regulator, the analysis revealed that market information is key to supporting bioresources markets through promoting and encouraging efficient entry, as well as monitoring market progress and development.
The purpose of companies publishing bioresources market information is to allow third parties to identify market opportunities and thereby facilitate discussions between third parties and the WaSCs about such opportunities.
The data will be used either:
- to identify opportunities to supply services in the treatment, transportation and disposal of bioresources and promote contract negotiation discussions between parties; and/or
- for Ofwat to assess market development.
Companies are free to update their published information as frequently as they deem necessary, in order to reflect current market status as closely as possible. However, Ofwat expects published data to be updated at least annually.
Commenting on the new guidance, David Black, Ofwat Senior Director of Water 2020, said:
“We’re always looking for opportunities for customers to get better value. Sometimes that means thinking creatively about how we can get more from all parts of the water sector – even those that might make some of us feel a little squeamish.
“The idea of reusing waste to create low-carbon electricity works and can deliver environmental benefits and could also result in lower bills for customers. “
Click here to download Bioresources market information guidance
Sulzer has launched a new global Center of Excellence (CoE) for Water Treatment Solutions - the CoE consolidates Sulzer’s wastewater treatment expertise in a unified and global manner.
“SAS (Surplus Activated Sludge) is a bit weird and 
Owen Mace has taken over as Director of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) Plastic Pipes Group on the retirement of Caroline Ayres. He was previously Standards and Technical Manager for the group.
PureTec Separations, the Ledbury-based water treatment engineering firm, has appointed Dan Norman as its new Sales Manager – Water Process Systems, supporting the company’s continued growth in the UK and international markets.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.