Geestmerambacht energy and raw materials plant
HHNK wants to build an energy and raw materials plant at the Geestmerambacht sewage treatment plant. This energy and raw materials plant consists of two parts: a central sludge fermentation plant with a green gas installation and the construction of one or two wind turbines. The construction of the central sludge fermentation plant and the wind turbine(s) are not linked and each will follow its own process and schedule. Here we provide information about the construction of the central sludge fermentation plant with green gas installation.
Latest status of the project
HHNK has applied for environmental permits for the construction of the central sludge digestion plant and the relocation of the emergency storage facility. The applications have been submitted to the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Agency (ODNZKG), the competent authority responsible for issuing these permits.
The ODNZKG has received the applications and has requested that we provide additional information. Some of this information depends on the ongoing design process. As soon as this information is available, we will submit it to the ODNZKG, after which they will proceed with processing the documents.
Once the ODNZKG has adopted a (draft) decision, that decision is officially published. This publication also includes a link to the relevant documents on officielebekendmakingen.nl.
What's going to happen?
A central sludge digestion plant with a green gas facility consists of various components. All of these components will be constructed on the site of the current wastewater treatment plant. Below is a preliminary design of the central sludge digestion plant, which will undergo further technical development in 2026.
Where is the project taking place?
The Geestmerambacht wastewater treatment plant is particularly suitable for sludge fermentation. Most of the sewage sludge to be processed comes from this treatment plant. The treatment plant is located in the neighbourhood where the remains of the fermentation plant are further processed into biofuel for the HVC bioenergy plant. The location of the wastewater treatment plant is ideal, close to provincial roads and with little to no expected nuisance to the surrounding area. Part of the site is largely undeveloped and can be made suitable for the construction of the energy and raw materials plant.
When will the project take place and how long will it last?
2025-2026: Develop the preliminary design into a final design and apply for the necessary permits.
2027: start construction.
No rights can be derived from the schedule. The schedule may be adjusted if work is delayed or takes longer than expected.
Who do we work with?
We are working together with various parties, such as the municipality of Dijk en Waard, the municipality of Schagen, the province of North Holland, and the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Service. At this stage of the project, we would also like to keep local residents and stakeholders in the vicinity of the treatment plant informed of the current situation.
Want to know more?
For more information about this project, please contact Ms. M. Kleijn, Environmental Manager for the Energy and Raw Materials Plant project, via ourcontact form or by calling the water board’s general phone number: 072 - 582 8282.
Background
The water board has fifteen sewage treatment plants. Sewage sludge is released during the treatment of wastewater. All sewage treatment plants together produce approximately 100,000 tons of dewatered sewage sludge annually. A sludge fermentation plant converts biomass (sewage sludge) into biogas. Biogas is converted into green gas and/or electricity. Biogas therefore contributes to sustainable energy generation.
Approximately 55% of sludge production is fermented in five sludge fermentation plants. The remaining 45%, originating from six sewage treatment plants, is not fermented. With the construction of a central sludge fermentation plant at the Geestmerambacht sewage treatment plant, it will be possible to ferment all sewage sludge. This will increase HHNK's biogas production from 4.3 to 7.7 million m³ per year. By converting the biogas into green gas, HHNK's green gas production will increase from 1.0 to 3.3 million m³ per year. 3.3 million m³ of green gas corresponds to the annual gas consumption of approximately 2,200 households. In addition, sludge fermentation reduces the sludge volume by approximately 30% and theCO2 footprint by 5,300 tonsof CO2 per year. In 2017 (start of the Climate and Energy Program), annualCO2 emissions were 75,000 tons. The construction of the central sludge fermentation plant will therefore reduce annualCO2 emissions by 7%. In addition to producing green gas, this plant will recoverCO2, phosphate, nitrogen, and sulfur from the sludge. Phosphate, nitrogen, and sulfur can be used as fertilizers in agriculture. CO2 canbe used in greenhouse horticulture, as a coolant, or in the production of soft drinks. As a result, the treatment plant makes an important contribution to the circular economy and becomes a true energy and raw materials factory.
Climate neutral by 2035
Generating renewable energy at this site is in line with HHNK’s goal of achieving energy neutrality. The aim is to fully meet its own energy needs and become carbon neutral by 2035.